Indulgent Mulled Port Cherry & Orange Pudding
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
11
1 we grade moderate or higher
5 of them not yet assessed here
Sugars per 100g
44.90g
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 (11)
This label lists 4 colours, 2 emulsifiers, 1 acidity regulator, 1 antioxidant, 1 additive, 1 preservative and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E171
Titanium dioxide
Whitener and opacifier
What it is. A bright white pigment used to make sweets, icing, sauces and coatings look opaque and white.
Why it is used. Purely cosmetic. It changes appearance, not taste or safety of the food.
What the evidence says. In 2021 the EU food safety body EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, mainly because possible genetic damage from the tiny particles could not be ruled out. That is a precautionary call rather than proof of harm in people.
Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022. Still permitted in the UK and the US, which reached different conclusions on the same evidence. A clear case of the same additive, different rules.
Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA, US FDA. Full entry for E171
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
E300
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Antioxidant
What it is. Vitamin C, added to protect colour and flavour and sometimes to fortify.
Why it is used. Stops browning in juices and cut fruit, protects fats, and boosts vitamin content.
What the evidence says. Beneficial and harmless at the levels used. Included here as a reminder that an E number is just a code, and plenty of them are ordinary nutrients.
Permitted freely, no concern.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E300
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
- E163 Anthocyanins colour
- E170 Calcium carbonate colour
- E422 Glycerol other
- E464 Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose thickener
- E472E Mono- and diacetyltartaric acid esters (DATEM) 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
Sultanas 17%, Demerara Sugar , Cherry and Port Sauce 9.7% (Sugar, Morello Cherry Purée 23%, Glucose Syrup, Humectant (Glycerol), Cornflour, Port 4.0%, Redcurrants, Water, Lemon Zest, Orange Zest, Mulled Flavoured Red Wine (Red Wine, Fortified Red Wine, Flavouring), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Ground Cinnamon, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)) , Port Soaked Glacé Cherries 8.6% (Cherries 56%, Port 33%, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Colour (Anthocyanins), Fruit and Vegetable Juice (Carrot, Blackcurrant, Radish), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid)] , Fortified _Wheat_ Flour (_Wheat_ Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Cider 7.6%, Glacé Orange Slices 6.4% (Oranges, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Sucrose, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid)), Raisins 6.3%, Palm Oil , Glacé Cherries 4.2% (Cherries, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Colour (Anthocyanins), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid)), Candied Orange Stars 3.2% (Orange Peel, Sugar, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)), Ruby Port 1.8%, Brandy 1.4%, Humectant (Glycerol), Single _Cream_ (from _Milk_), Free Range Pasteurised _Egg_, _Almonds_ (_Nut_), Candied Citrus Peel (Glucose Syrup, Orange Peel, Sugar, Lemon Peel, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid)), _Walnuts_ , Water , Edible Gold Stars (Thickener (Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose), Colours (Curcumin, Titanium Dioxide)), Mixed Spices (Coriander, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cardamom), Molasses , Salt , Yeast , Spirit Vinegar , _Wheat_ Protein , Emulsifiers (Mono - and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Mono - and DiacetylTartaric Acid Esters of Mono - and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids) , Palm Oil , Rapeseed Oil , Flour Treatment Agent (Ascorbic Acid) .
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.