Bang! Bang! Noodles
Unknown brand
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
10
0 we grade moderate or higher
7 of them not yet assessed here
Salt per 100g
4.90g
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 (10)
This label lists 4 flavour enhancers, 2 acidity regulators, 1 anticaking agent, 1 antioxidant, 1 raising agent and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E466
Carboxymethyl cellulose
Thickener and stabiliser
What it is. A modified plant fibre used to thicken and stabilise.
Why it is used. Common in ice cream, low fat products, gluten free bakery and sauces.
What the evidence says. Falls in the same emulsifier and gut research bucket as polysorbate 80, with early human work hinting at effects on the microbiome. Interesting, not conclusive.
Permitted with limits.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E466
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
E621
Monosodium glutamate
Flavour enhancer
What it is. The sodium salt of glutamate, an amino acid found naturally in tomatoes, cheese and mushrooms.
Why it is used. Boosts savoury, umami flavour in stocks, crisps, ready meals and sauces.
What the evidence says. The old idea of MSG causing headaches and flushing, once called Chinese restaurant syndrome, has not held up in controlled trials. Regulators worldwide treat it as safe at normal intake. A genuinely useful example of a feared additive that the evidence exonerates.
Permitted and classed as safe. Adds to total sodium, so it counts towards salt if a product uses a lot.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA, US FDA. Full entry for E621
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) antioxidant
- E452 Polyphosphates acidity regulator
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
- E551 Silicon dioxide anticaking agent
- E627 Disodium guanylate flavour enhancer
- E631 Disodium inosinate flavour enhancer
- E640 Glycine and its sodium salt 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.
Ingredients
NOODLES: Net WT. 54.20g: Wheat Flour, Rice Bran Oil (Contain Antioxidant E321), Tapioca Starch, Salt, Thickener: Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (E466), Stabiliser and Emulsifier: Sodium polyphosphate (E452), Buffering agent: Sodium bicarbonate (E500ii). SEASONING POWDER: Net WT. 6.50g: Sugar, Salt, Chicken Seasoning Flavour (Soy Sauce (Soybeans, Wheat Flour, Salt), Onion Powder, Chicken Flavour (NI), Maltodextrin, Acidity Regulator: Citric acid (E330)), Soy Sauce Powder (Soybeans, Wheat Flour, Salt), Soup Thickener (Rice Bran Oil, Glucose Syrup, Sodium caseinate (from Milk)), Pepper Powder, Garlic Powder, Chilli Powder, Dried Onion Leaf, Flavour Enhancer: Monosodium glutamate (E621), Disodium 5' inosinate & Disodium 5' guanylate (E631,E627), Glycine (E640), Anticaking Agent: Silicon dioxide (E551). SEASONING OIL: Net WT. 2.50g: Rice Bran Oil (Contain Antioxidant E321), Garlic. DRIED VEGETABLE : Net WT. 1.60g: Dried Carrot, Dried Onion Leaf. CHILLI POWDER: Net WT. 0.20g: Chilli Powder. Allergy Advice For Allergens, Including Cereals Containing Gluten, See Ingredients in bold' Store in a dry place Best A Kohlico Product
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.