Irn Bru
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
4
2 we grade moderate or higher
Counted from the label, not by quantity
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 (4)
This label lists 2 colours, 1 acidity regulator and 1 sweetener.
E110
Sunset Yellow FCF
Orange-yellow colour
What it is. A synthetic orange yellow dye.
Why it is used. Colours squashes, sweets, snacks and desserts.
What the evidence says. Also one of the Southampton Six, carrying the same signal for hyperactivity in sensitive children.
UK and EU require the children's activity warning. Permitted in the US.
Assessed against UK FSA, EFSA. Full entry for E110
E124
Ponceau 4R
Red colour
What it is. A synthetic strawberry red dye.
Why it is used. Colours sweets, desserts, drinks and some processed meats.
What the evidence says. The last of the Southampton Six. EFSA also lowered its acceptable daily intake in 2009 on re-examining the toxicology.
Children's activity warning required in the UK and EU. Not approved for food use in the US.
Assessed against UK FSA, EFSA. Full entry for E124
E951
Aspartame
Artificial sweetener
What it is. An intense sweetener around 200 times sweeter than sugar, used in tiny amounts.
Why it is used. Sweetens diet drinks, sugar free gum and low calorie desserts.
What the evidence says. In 2023 IARC listed it as possibly carcinogenic, its weakest evidence tier. At the same time the expert intake committee JECFA kept the safe daily limit unchanged, noting you would need a very high daily intake to approach it, roughly a dozen or more cans of diet drink a day for an adult. So headline scary, practically low concern for normal use.
Permitted with an acceptable daily intake. People with the condition PKU must avoid it, which is why packs carry a phenylalanine note.
Assessed against IARC, JECFA, EFSA. Full entry for E951
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
Carbonated Water, Sugar, Acid Citric Acid), Flavourings (Including Caffeine, TYPICAL VES R Ammonium Ferric Citrate & Quinine) Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K ENERGY OL Preservative (E21), Colours (Sunset Yellow FAT ICE, Ponceau AR), Sunset Yellow FCF & Ponceau 4R: May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Contains a source of Phenylalanine.
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.