Salted Caramel Protein Flapjack
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
8
0 we grade moderate or higher
5 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
21.80g
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 (8)
This label lists 3 colours, 2 emulsifiers, 1 acidity regulator, 1 additive and 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
E471
Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
Emulsifier
What it is. Fat derived emulsifiers, closely related to ordinary dietary fats.
Why it is used. One of the most used additives in food: bread, margarine, ice cream, cakes and sauces.
What the evidence says. The body handles these much as it handles other fats, and EFSA's re-evaluation raised no safety concern at the levels used. They sit in the same broad emulsifier and gut microbiome research question as the others, which remains unsettled.
Permitted without a numerical limit. The fat source is not always stated, which matters for some diets rather than for safety.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E471
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
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E150A Plain caramel colour
- E160B Annatto, bixin, norbixin colour
- E260 Acetic acid acidity regulator
- E422 Glycerol other
- E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids emulsifier
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
Wholegrain OATS, All Vegetable Margarine(Vegetable Oils (Palm, Rapeseed), Water, Salt (2%), Emulsifier: Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids, Colours: Curcumin, Annatto Bixin, Flavouring), Glycerine, Protein Crisps (Isolated SOYA Protein, Tapioca Starch, Salt), Golden Syrup, Whey Protein (MILK), Caramel Fudge Ice (5%)(Sugar, Glucose Syrup (Preservative: SULPHOR DIOXIDE), Palm Oil, Water, Rapeseed Oil Whey Powder (MILK), Emulsifier: Mono - and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids; Colour: Plain Caramel: Burnt Sugar; Preservative: Potassium Sorbate; Flavouring, Acid: Acetic Acid), Chicory Root, Sugar, Tapioca starch, Potassium Sorbate E202, Salt (0.3%) Flavouring. May also contain PEANUTS and OTHER NUTS
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.