Ham stock cubes
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
2
1 we grade moderate or higher
Counted from the label, not by quantity
Salt per 100g
0.88g
Medium
UK FSA front of pack threshold
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (2)
This label lists 1 acidity regulator and 1 preservative.
E250
Sodium nitrite
Preservative and colour fixer, cured meats
What it is. A curing salt that keeps cured and processed meats pink and stops the growth of the bacteria behind botulism.
Why it is used. Used in bacon, ham, salami and hot dogs for preservation, safety and colour.
What the evidence says. The concern is not the additive in isolation but processed meat as a whole, which the WHO's cancer agency IARC classes as Group 1, meaning there is sufficient evidence it causes colorectal cancer. Nitrite can form nitrosamines during curing and cooking, and those are the likely culprit. Risk rises with how much processed meat you eat over time.
Permitted with strict maximum levels. The EU cut the allowed limits further from 2023 to reduce nitrosamine formation.
Assessed against IARC, EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E250
E330
Citric acid
Acidity regulator
What it is. A mild acid found naturally in citrus fruit, made commercially by fermentation.
Why it is used. Adds tartness, balances flavour and helps preserve. One of the most used additives in food.
What the evidence says. Safe at food levels. No credible health concern for the additive itself.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E330
Ingredients
salt, palm fat, maltodextrin, potato starch, sugar, cooked smoked bacon (69%), [pork, iodised salt (salt, potassium iodate), preservative: sodium nitrite], yeast extract, cooked ham powder (1%) (pork, salt, dextrose, smoke flavouring, preservative: sodium nitrite), flavouring, caramelised sugar syrup, acid: citric acid, dried parsley, ground black pepper, smoked maltodextrin, ground turmeric, celery seeds, smoked salt,
As printed on the pack, in the producer's own order: ingredients are listed by weight, so what comes first is most of what is in it. E numbers link to their assessment where we have one.