Cinammon buns
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
10
0 we grade moderate or higher
6 of them not yet assessed here
Sugars per 100g
21.60g
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 (10)
This label lists 2 colours, 2 raising agents, 2 thickeners and gelling agents, 1 acidity regulator, 1 antioxidant, 1 additive and 1 sweetener.
E420
Sorbitol
Sweetener and humectant
What it is. A sugar alcohol, about half as sweet as sugar, which also holds moisture.
Why it is used. Used in sugar free sweets and gum, and to keep baked goods soft.
What the evidence says. Not a toxicity question at all. Sugar alcohols are poorly absorbed, so a large amount draws water into the gut and has a laxative effect. That is well established, predictable and dose dependent, which is why the label has to say so.
Permitted. Foods with more than 10 per cent polyols must carry the statement that excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.
Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E420
E100
Curcumin
Yellow colour
What it is. The yellow pigment from turmeric root.
Why it is used. Colours mustards, sauces, dairy, confectionery and savoury snacks.
What the evidence says. A plant pigment people have eaten as a spice for a very long time, and regulators treat it as safe with an acceptable daily intake. EFSA noted that children who eat a lot of the foods it is used in could approach that intake, which is a reason to watch total use rather than a sign of harm.
Permitted with maximum levels in the foods where it is allowed.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E100
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
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
- E160B Annatto, bixin, norbixin colour
- E406 Agar thickener
- E412 Guar gum thickener
- E422 Glycerol other
- E450 Diphosphates raising agent
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising 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
L212 Best before 01:53 L1 2 sweet buns swirled with cinnamon and hand topped with a soft cheese icing. Ingredients Fortified wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), Sugar, Water, Vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed), Colours (curcumin, annatto), Humectants (invert sugar syrup, glycerol, sorbitol syrup), Dark brown soft sugar, Full fat soft cheese ilk) (2%), Yeast, Egg Full cream milk powder, Dried. ce syrus Pa acia sifiers fatty acids), OTS (mono - and e and diacetyltartaric Cinnamon powder, Wheat flour, Stabiliser (guar gum), Lemon juice, Raising agents (diphosphates, sodium carbonates), Flavouring, Gelling agent (agar), Acidity regulator (citric acid), Flour treatment agent (ascorbic acid), Vitamin A. ALLERGY ADVICE For allergens, including cereals Containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May also contain sova
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.