strawberry milkshake slices
Unknown brand
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
14
1 we grade moderate or higher
10 of them not yet assessed here
Sugars per 100g
42.20g
High
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 (14)
This label lists 4 emulsifiers, 3 colours, 2 preservatives, 2 raising agents, 1 acidity regulator, 1 additive and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E171
Titanium dioxide
Whitener and opacifier
What it is. A bright white pigment used to make sweets, icing, sauces and coatings look opaque and white.
Why it is used. Purely cosmetic. It changes appearance, not taste or safety of the food.
What the evidence says. In 2021 the EU food safety body EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, mainly because possible genetic damage from the tiny particles could not be ruled out. That is a precautionary call rather than proof of harm in people.
Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022. Still permitted in the UK and the US, which reached different conclusions on the same evidence. A clear case of the same additive, different rules.
Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA, US FDA. Full entry for E171
E202
Potassium sorbate
Preservative
What it is. The potassium salt of sorbic acid, which stops mould and yeast growth.
Why it is used. Used in cheese, baked goods, dried fruit, wine and dressings.
What the evidence says. Widely used and long regarded as one of the gentler preservatives. EFSA's 2015 re-evaluation lowered the acceptable daily intake and noted gaps in the genotoxicity data, asking for more work, while finding no evidence of harm at the levels actually used.
Permitted with maximum levels. EFSA has asked for further data rather than restricted it.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E202
E220
Sulphur dioxide and sulphites
Preservative
What it is. A preservative that stops browning and microbial growth.
Why it is used. Used in dried fruit, wine, some soft drinks and processed potato.
What the evidence says. Not a cancer concern, but a well established trigger for asthma symptoms and sensitivity in some people, which is why it is a declarable allergen. Clear, strong evidence, but the concern applies to a specific group rather than everyone.
Permitted, but must be declared on the label when above a small threshold because of the allergy risk.
Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E220
E322
Lecithin
Emulsifier
What it is. A natural emulsifier, usually from soya or sunflower.
Why it is used. Keeps chocolate smooth and stops ingredients separating.
What the evidence says. Safe and widely used. Only relevant if the source, such as soya, is an allergen for you.
Permitted freely. Source allergen must be declared.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E322
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E120 Cochineal, carminic acid, carmines colour
- E170 Calcium carbonate colour
- E260 Acetic acid acidity regulator
- E401 Sodium alginate thickener
- E422 Glycerol other
- E435 Polysorbate 60 emulsifier
- E450 Diphosphates raising agent
- E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids emulsifier
- E491 Sorbitan monostearate emulsifier
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
Names and jobs come from the register of additives permitted in Great Britain, which we have not finished transcribing: a code shown without a name is a gap in our coverage, not a finding that it is unapproved. Naming one is not grading it either. Full detail appears only where we have an assessment against a named authority, so all of this describes our coverage rather than these additives. Most are common and low concern.
Ingredients
strawberry flavour icing (25%) (sugar, icing sugar, water, glucose syrup, humectant: glycerol, palm oil, rapeseed oil, flavouring, colour, carmines), wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), strawberry flavour filling (149%) (glucose syrup, sugar, dextrose, water, humectant: glycerol, rapeseed il, maize starch, tapioca starch, milk protein, whey powder (milk), dried egg white, raising agent: diphosphates, flavouring, gelling agent: sodium alginate, emulsifiers: polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, colour: titanium dioxide, acid: acetic acid, preservatives: potassium sorbate, sulphur dioxide), sugar, glucose syrup, palm oil, rapeseed oil , water, humectant:glycerol, dried egg, invert sugar syrup, dried egg white, raising agents: diphosphates, sodium carbonates, palm fat, maize starch, salt, preservative: potassium sorbate, skimmed milk powder, emulsifier: lecithins (soya), colour: carmines, flavouring, allergy advice: for allergens cee ingredients in hold may also contain nuts
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.