Hot chocolate
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
1
0 we grade moderate or higher
Counted from the label, not by quantity
Sugars per 100g
8.90g
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 (1)
This label lists 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E415
Xanthan gum
Thickener and stabiliser
What it is. A fibre made by fermenting sugars with a bacterium, which thickens liquids at very low doses.
Why it is used. Thickens sauces and dressings and gives structure to gluten free baking.
What the evidence says. Passes through largely undigested and is treated as safe by regulators, with no numerical intake limit. Very large amounts act as fibre does, which is a digestive effect rather than a safety one.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E415
Ingredients
sugar, fat reduced cocoa powder* (26%), maltodextrin, modified potato starch, belgian chocolate powder (5%) (sugar, cocoa mass*, fat reduced cocoa powder*, flavouring), flavouring, thickener (xanthan gum). *rainforest alliance certified.
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.