High Protein Noodles: Katsu Curry
Fuel10k
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
7
0 we grade moderate or higher
4 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
5.30g
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 (7)
This label lists 3 acidity regulators, 1 colour, 1 flavour enhancer, 1 additive and 1 preservative.
E160A
Carotenes
Yellow to orange colour
What it is. The orange pigments found in carrots and other vegetables, either extracted or made synthetically.
Why it is used. Colours margarine, soft drinks, dairy, and sweets.
What the evidence says. The same compound the body turns into vitamin A, and safe at the levels used in food. High dose beta-carotene supplements have been linked to harm in smokers, but those doses are far above anything a colour in food delivers, and conflating the two is a common mistake.
Permitted. The supplement findings apply to concentrated doses, not to food colouring.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E160A
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
E621
Monosodium glutamate
Flavour enhancer
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.
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
- E223 Sodium metabisulphite preservative
- E326 Potassium lactate acidity regulator
- E501 Potassium carbonates acidity regulator
- E516 Calcium sulphate other
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
£1.50 £1.25 Dried noodles in a katsu curry flavour sauce mix with textured wheat protein and carrots Ingredients as sold: Noodles (68%) (Wheat Flour, Palm Oil, Potato Starch, Acidity Regulators Potassium Lactate, Citric Acid, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium Carbonatel, Salt Flavour Enhancer - Monosodium Glutamate), Colour (Carotenes). Antioxidant [Tocopherol-Rich Extractil Textured where Wheat Protein (15%) (Wheat Protein, Firming Agent (Calcium Sulphate). Preservative (Sodium Metabisulphite (Sulphites. Yeast Protein Powder (6%). Maltodextrin, Dried Carrot (1.5% Sugar Salt, Coconut Milk Powder, Flavouring. Apple Juice Powder, Rapeseed Oil, Carrot Powder Ground Coriander Seeds, Onion Powder, Ground Turmeric, Ground Cumin Seeds, Ground Ginger Garlic Powder, Ground Cinnamon, Dried Yeast Extract, Chilli Powder, Ground Cloves, Milk Proteins 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.