TWIN PACK MEAL KIT DDD SERVES 2 WEATH IN2% MINS RA

Ramen Head

5016805011535

Processing

4

Ultra-processed

Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale

Additives listed

11

0 we grade moderate or higher

7 of them not yet assessed here

Salt per 100g

0.76g

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.

This label lists 3 flavour enhancers, 2 acidity regulators, 2 preservatives, 2 thickeners and gelling agents, 1 colour and 1 additive.

E202 Potassium sorbate
Preservative
Low moderate evidence

What it is. The potassium salt of sorbic acid, which stops mould and yeast growth.

Why it is used. Used in cheese, baked goods, dried fruit, wine and dressings.

What the evidence says. Widely used and long regarded as one of the gentler preservatives. EFSA's 2015 re-evaluation lowered the acceptable daily intake and noted gaps in the genotoxicity data, asking for more work, while finding no evidence of harm at the levels actually used.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted with maximum levels. EFSA has asked for further data rather than restricted it.

Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E202

E211 Sodium benzoate
Preservative
Low moderate evidence

What it is. A preservative that stops yeasts, moulds and some bacteria growing in acidic foods.

Why it is used. Used in soft drinks, sauces, pickles and dressings.

What the evidence says. EFSA re-evaluated it in 2016 and kept an acceptable daily intake, with normal exposure below it. The known issue is specific: in acidic drinks that also contain vitamin C, benzoate can form small amounts of benzene, so manufacturers reformulated to avoid the combination. It was also present in the drink mixes used in the Southampton hyperactivity study, though the warning requirement that followed applies to the colours rather than to benzoate.

Regulatory status UK Permitted with limits or a warning EU Permitted with limits or a warning US Permitted with limits or a warning

Permitted with maximum levels in the foods where it is allowed.

Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E211

E330 Citric acid
Acidity regulator
No real concern strong evidence

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.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted freely.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E330

E415 Xanthan gum
Thickener and stabiliser
No real concern strong evidence

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.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted freely.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E415

Also on the label, not assessed here yet

  • E150D Sulphite ammonia caramel colour
  • E260 Acetic acid acidity regulator
  • E412 Guar gum thickener
  • E422 Glycerol other
  • E627 Disodium guanylate flavour enhancer
  • E631 Disodium inosinate flavour enhancer
  • 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.

PING ON SOME REAL GOO #WHERE'S YOU HEAD AT? MISO RAMEN. Blanched noodles with a miso and Shaoxing wine broth. WHAT'S IN IT... Ramen. Cooked Noodles (99.65%) (Water, Durum Wheat Semolina), Sunflower Oil. Broth. Water (88.3%), Shaoxing Wine (5.3%) (Water, Rice, Wheat, Salt, Lemongrass Extract, Black Pepper Extract, E150d), Miso Paste (1.7%) (Water, Soybeans, Rice, Salt), Oyster Sauce (Water, Sugar, Liquid Glucose, Salt, Modified Starch (E422), Dehydrated Vegetables Powder (Garlic, Onion, Ginger), Red Chilli Powder Mixed Spices & Condiments, Flavour Enhancer (E631, E627, E635), Acidty Regulator (E260, E330), Stablizing Agent (E412, E415), Colour (E150d), Pervatives (E202, E211), Added Favours or Natural Identical Flavouring Substances (contains Wheat Flour)), Ginger, Sunflower Oil, White Pepper Powder. Allergens in bold. Contains Wheat, Gluten, Soy. May contain Milk, Sulphites, Peanuts, Nuts, Mustard, Sesame, Celery, Cereals containing Gluten since it is manufactured in facility handling these allergens.

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.

Scan another barcode Search