Moroccan medley cous cous
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
3
0 we grade moderate or higher
Counted from the label, not by quantity
Salt per 100g
0.50g
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 (3)
This label lists 1 acidity regulator, 1 antioxidant and 1 emulsifier.
E300
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Antioxidant
What it is. Vitamin C, added to protect colour and flavour and sometimes to fortify.
Why it is used. Stops browning in juices and cut fruit, protects fats, and boosts vitamin content.
What the evidence says. Beneficial and harmless at the levels used. Included here as a reminder that an E number is just a code, and plenty of them are ordinary nutrients.
Permitted freely, no concern.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E300
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
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
COUSCOUS (82%) (Durum Wheat Semolina), TOMATO POWDER (2.5%), Sugar, SUNFLOWER SEEDS (2%), APPLE (2%), Glucose Syrup, TOMATO (1.5%), Onion Powder, Yeast Extract, Salt, Rapeseed Oil and/or Sunflower Oil, Cumin, Lemon Juice Powder, Spinach Powder, Spearmint, Flavourings, Turmeric, Garlic Powder, Coriander, Barley Malt Extract Powder, Chilli Powder, Whey (Milk), Celery Seeds, Emulsifier: Lecithins (Soya); Antioxidants: Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid.
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.