Belgian Chocolate Seashells
Unknown brand
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
14
0 we grade moderate or higher
11 of them not yet assessed here
Sugars per 100g
51.28g
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 (14)
This label lists 3 glazing agents, 2 colours, 2 emulsifiers, 2 raising agents, 2 thickeners and gelling agents, 1 acidity regulator, 1 antioxidant and 1 additive.
E160A
Carotenes
Yellow to orange colour
What it is. The orange pigments found in carrots and other vegetables, either extracted or made synthetically.
Why it is used. Colours margarine, soft drinks, dairy, and sweets.
What the evidence says. The same compound the body turns into vitamin A, and safe at the levels used in food. High dose beta-carotene supplements have been linked to harm in smokers, but those doses are far above anything a colour in food delivers, and conflating the two is a common mistake.
Permitted. The supplement findings apply to concentrated doses, not to food colouring.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E160A
E322
Lecithin
Emulsifier
What it is. A natural emulsifier, usually from soya or sunflower.
Why it is used. Keeps chocolate smooth and stops ingredients separating.
What the evidence says. Safe and widely used. Only relevant if the source, such as soya, is an allergen for you.
Permitted freely. Source allergen must be declared.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E322
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
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E162 Beetroot red, betanin colour
- E306 Tocopherol-rich extract antioxidant
- E401 Sodium alginate thickener
- E414 Acacia gum (gum arabic) thickener
- E422 Glycerol other
- E492 Sorbitan tristearate emulsifier
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
- E503 Ammonium carbonates raising agent
- E901 Beeswax glazing agent
- E903 Carnauba wax glazing agent
- E904 Shellac glazing agent
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
Sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, whole MILK powder, LACTOSE, vegetable fat (coconut, palm, shea, sunflower, rapeseed in varying proportions), ALMONDS, HAZELNUTS, natural and artificial flavours, whey powder (MILK), low fat MILK powder, low fat cocoa powder, CASHEW NUTS, coffee powder, emulsifiers: lecithins, E414; cane sugar, candy sugar, raisins, cocoa nibs, anhydrous MILK fat, colours: E162, E160a, paprika; corn flour, glucose syrup, salt, potato starch, vanilla points, banana, acid: citric acid; dextrose, caramelised sugar, stabilisers: glycerol E422, E492, E401; rice flour, nutmeg, blueberry, green tea, strawberry pieces (strawberry, maltodextrin), cranberry pieces, acerolapowder, shredded COCONUT, instant coffee, hatch chili pepper powder, cranberry powder, cherry powder (cherry, maltodextrine), ginger powder, pumpkin powder, raspberry powder, carob powder, orange zest, glucose - fructose syrup, goji powder, gingerbread spices: coriander, cinnamon, pimento; COCONUT, bulking agent: calcium carbonate; honey, maltodextrin of maize, WHEAT flour, tapioca starch, butter (MILK), condensed MILK, inverted sugar syrup, salted butter (MILK), water, cream (MILK), fructose, invert sugar, WHEAT starch, colouring foods: concentrate of algae, apple, pumpkin, radish, lemon, black currant, safflower, purple potato; candy syrup, sucrose, WHEATmalt, fructose syrup, glazing agents: E903, E904, E901; raising agents: E500 (ii), E503 (ii); potato protein, caramel, sodium bicarbonate, cinnamon, antioxidant: E306. Nutrition Typical V Energy Energy Fat of which Carbohy of whic Protein Salt *Refere
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.