Loaded Fries Cheese & Gravy
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
9
0 we grade moderate or higher
6 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
4.50g
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 (9)
This label lists 3 colours, 3 thickeners and gelling agents, 2 raising agents and 1 acidity regulator.
E100
Curcumin
Yellow colour
What it is. The yellow pigment from turmeric root.
Why it is used. Colours mustards, sauces, dairy, confectionery and savoury snacks.
What the evidence says. A plant pigment people have eaten as a spice for a very long time, and regulators treat it as safe with an acceptable daily intake. EFSA noted that children who eat a lot of the foods it is used in could approach that intake, which is a reason to watch total use rather than a sign of harm.
Permitted with maximum levels in the foods where it is allowed.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E100
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
E415
Xanthan gum
Thickener and stabiliser
What it is. A fibre made by fermenting sugars with a bacterium, which thickens liquids at very low doses.
Why it is used. Thickens sauces and dressings and gives structure to gluten free baking.
What the evidence says. Passes through largely undigested and is treated as safe by regulators, with no numerical intake limit. Very large amounts act as fibre does, which is a digestive effect rather than a safety one.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E415
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E1400 Dextrin thickener
- E160B Annatto, bixin, norbixin colour
- E160C Paprika extract, capsanthin colour
- E412 Guar gum thickener
- E450 Diphosphates raising agent
- 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
BATTERED POTATO FRIES (64%) (Potato, Sunflower Oil, Modified Potato Starch, Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Salt, Dextrin, Raising Agents: Diphosphates, Sodium Carbonates; Thickener: Xanthan Gum; Dextrose, Paprika Extract, Turmeric Extract), BEEF GRAVY (20%) (Water, Onion, Modified Maize Starch, Yeast Extract (contains _Barley_), Sugar, Salt, _Barley_ Malt Extract, Yeast Extract Powder, Flavouring, Caramelised Sugar, Red Wine Extract, Mushroom Concentrate, Black Pepper, Beef Fat, Beef, Beef Bone Stock), CHEESE SAUCE (16%) [Whole _Milk_, Water, Single Cream (_Milk_), Mature Cheddar Cheese (_Milk_), Modified Maize Starch, Mozzarella Cheese (_Milk_), Thickener: Guar Gum; Flavouring, Cornflour, Cheese Powder (_Milk_), Wheat Flour (_Wheat_ Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Salt, Dried Glucose Syrup, Dextrose, Yeast Extract Powder, Skimmed Milk Powder, Sugar, Whey Powder (_Milk_), Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid; Colour: Annatto Norbixin; _Mustard_ Powder, White Pepper].
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.