Frazzles Crispy Bacon

Smiths

5000328312484

Processing

4

Ultra-processed

Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale

Additives listed

7

0 we grade moderate or higher

6 of them not yet assessed here

Fat per 100g

18.89g

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.

This label lists 3 colours, 2 flavour enhancers, 1 antioxidant and 1 additive.

E621 Monosodium glutamate
Flavour enhancer
No real concern strong evidence

What it is. The sodium salt of glutamate, an amino acid found naturally in tomatoes, cheese and mushrooms.

Why it is used. Boosts savoury, umami flavour in stocks, crisps, ready meals and sauces.

What the evidence says. The old idea of MSG causing headaches and flushing, once called Chinese restaurant syndrome, has not held up in controlled trials. Regulators worldwide treat it as safe at normal intake. A genuinely useful example of a feared additive that the evidence exonerates.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted and classed as safe. Adds to total sodium, so it counts towards salt if a product uses a lot.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA, US FDA. Full entry for E621

Also on the label, not assessed here yet

  • E150D Sulphite ammonia caramel colour
  • E160C Paprika extract, capsanthin colour
  • E162 Beetroot red, betanin colour
  • E392 Extracts of rosemary antioxidant
  • E508 Potassium chloride other
  • E635 Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides flavour enhancer

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.

Corn (Maize), Rapeseed Oil, Bacon Flavour Seasoning [Salt, Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein (contains Soya), Dextrose, Flavour Enhancers (Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides), Potassium Chloride, Sugar, Yeast Powder, Flavourings (contains Soya), Lactose (from Milk), Yeast Extract, Dried Yeast, Whey Powder (from Milk), Corn Starch, Colours (Paprika Extract, Sulphite Ammonia Caramel), Smoked Maltodextrin, Carob Flour, Antioxidant (Rosemary Extract)], Colour (Beetroot Red).

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.

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