christmas tree baking kit
Unknown brand
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
11
0 we grade moderate or higher
9 of them not yet assessed here
Nutrients
–
Nothing above the low band
Or no figures recorded at all
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (11)
This label lists 2 emulsifiers, 2 glazing agents, 2 raising agents, 1 acidity regulator, 1 antioxidant, 1 colour, 1 preservative and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
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
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
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E150D Sulphite ammonia caramel colour
- E306 Tocopherol-rich extract antioxidant
- E414 Acacia gum (gum arabic) thickener
- E435 Polysorbate 60 emulsifier
- E450 Diphosphates raising agent
- E472C Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides emulsifier
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
- E903 Carnauba wax glazing agent
- E904 Shellac glazing 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
Biscuit mix (78%) (WHEAT flour, sugar, raising agents (diphosphates, sodium carbonates), green decorating icing (19%) (sugar, vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed), colouring foods (concentrates from spirulina, safflower), water, glucose syrup, modified starch, emulsifiers (polysorbate 60, citric acid esters of mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids), preservative (potassium sorbate), salt, antioxidant (tocopherols), flavouring, acidity regulator (citric acid), colour (sulphite ammonia caramel)), coloured sugar pearls (1.5%) (dextrose, sugar, rice flour, glucose syrup, colouring foods (concentrates from apple, blackcurrants, lemon, radish, safflower, spirulina, sweet potato), thickener (gum arabic), flavouring, acid (citric acid), salt, glazing agents (carnauba wax, shellac), vegetable oils (coconut, rapeseed), coloured sugar balls (1.5%) (sugar, starch (WHEAT), glucose syrup, colouring foods (concentrates from radish, lemon, blackcurrants, spirulina), glazing agent (beeswax white and yellow)). Allergy Advice
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.