Coleslaw and potato salad
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
4
0 we grade moderate or higher
2 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
18g
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 (4)
This label lists 3 thickeners and gelling agents and 1 preservative.
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
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
- E412 Guar gum thickener
- E440 Pectin thickener
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
coleslaw-cabbage (43%), mayonnaise (38%) (rapeseed oil, water, white wine vinegar, sugar, pasteurised egg, salt, stabilisers: guar gum, xanthan gum, mustard powder), carrot (15%), onion, spirit vinegar, rapeseed oil, sugar, salt, stabilisers: pectins, egg white powder, preservative: potassium sorbate, potato salad-diced potato (60%), mayonnaise (30%) (rapeseed oil, water, white wine vinegar, sugar, pasteurised egg, salt, stabilisers: guar gum, xanthan gum, mustard powder), single cream (milk), crème fraiche (milk), onion, spring onion, rapeseed oil, spirit vinegar, chives, stabilisers: pectins, egg white powder, preservative: potassium sorbate, sugar
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.