Mac ‘N’ Cheese Croquettes
Unknown brand
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
Salt per 100g
11g
High
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 preservative.
E202
Potassium sorbate
Preservative
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.
Permitted with maximum levels. EFSA has asked for further data rather than restricted it.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E202
Ingredients
Macaroni pasta (29%) [water. durum WHEAT semolina], WHEAT flour (with calcium, iron, niacin, thiamin). Mozzarella cheese (MILK) (12%). water. Cheddar cheese (MILK) (9%), medium fat hard cheese (MILK) (4%) soft cheese (4%) (MILK, cream (MILK), MILK solids, salt. modified corn starch, preservative (E202). lactic culture). rapeseed oil, WHEAT starch. skimmed MILK powder, modified maize starch, salt, butter (MILK), modified potato starch, vegetable bouillon [sea salt. potato starch, maltodextrin, yeast extract, onion powder, sugar, garlic powder, herbs, spices, spice extract]. dextrose, yeast extract.
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.