Johnny’s Spiced Onion Rings
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
6
0 we grade moderate or higher
4 of them not yet assessed here
Nutrients
–
Nothing above the low band
Or no figures recorded at all
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (6)
This label lists 2 acidity regulators, 2 flavour enhancers, 1 colour and 1 sweetener.
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
- E160C Paprika extract, capsanthin colour
- E262 Sodium acetates acidity regulator
- E635 Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides flavour enhancer
- E954 Saccharin sweetener
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
Flavour seasoning: WHEAT flour (fortified), salr lactose (MILK), acidity regulator (sodium diacetate E262ii), tomato powder, flavour enhancer (monosodium glutamate E621, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides E635), sugar, yeast extract powder, flavourings ontains SOYA), acid (citric acid E330), orange juice powder, spice (coriander seed, ginger, black pepper, fenugreek seed, turmeric, cumin, green cardamom), garlic powder, rice flour, colour (paprika E160c), sweetener (sodium saccharin E954), smoke flavouring. ALLERGY ADV CE For allergens, including cereals ee ngree in bold. NUTRITION INÉORMATIO 8001 P
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.