Sweet chilli chicken
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
Sugars per 100g
7g
Medium
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 3 acidity regulators, 2 colours, 2 preservatives, 1 carrier, 1 flavour enhancer and 1 raising agent.
E220
Sulphur dioxide and sulphites
Preservative
What it is. A preservative that stops browning and microbial growth.
Why it is used. Used in dried fruit, wine, some soft drinks and processed potato.
What the evidence says. Not a cancer concern, but a well established trigger for asthma symptoms and sensitivity in some people, which is why it is a declarable allergen. Clear, strong evidence, but the concern applies to a specific group rather than everyone.
Permitted, but must be declared on the label when above a small threshold because of the allergy risk.
Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E220
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
- E150 Caramel colour
- E1510 Ethanol carrier
- E160 Carotenes colour
- E223 Sodium metabisulphite preservative
- E260 Acetic acid acidity regulator
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
- E501 Potassium carbonates acidity regulator
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
Vegetable Fried Noodle (47%) (Wheat Noodles (Water, Wheat Noodles (Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Salt, Turmeric, Paprika, Acidity Regulator (E330), Firming Agents (E501, E500)), Cabbage, White Onion, Rapeseed Oil, Noodle Sauce (Water, Sugar, Spirit Vinegar, Salt, Onion Puree, Melasses, Tamarind Paste, Cornflour, Garlic Puree, Ground Cloves, Ginger Puree), Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat, Salt), Wine (Sulphur Dioxide), Sugar, Water, Spirit Vinegar, Salt, Spice Extracts, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder), Carrot, Green Pea, Stir-Fry Sauce (Water, Sugar, Salt, Molasses, Yeast Extract, Non-Modified Starch, Barley Malt Extract, Garlic Extract), Dark Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Sugar, Salt, Wheat Flour), Sugar, Sesame Oil, Flavour Enhancer (E621)), Sweet Chilli Sauce (33%) (Pineapple (Pineapple, Water, Sugar, Acidity Regulator (E330)), Sweet Chilli Sauce (Water, Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Gochujang Style Paste (Glucose Syrup, Fructose, White Wine Vinegar (Preservative (E223) (Sulphite)), Salted Black Bean (Soya), Concentrated Red Bell Pepper Juice, Sugar, Water, Rapeseed Oil, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Salt, Spirit Vinegar), Concentrated Onion Juice, Salt, Onion Powder, Ground Cayenne Chilli, Colour (E160(c)), Tomato Powder, Rice Flour), Spirit Vinegar, Onion, Fructose, Garlic Puree, Red Chilli Puree, Cornflour, Salt, Pineapple Concentrate, Tomato Paste, Soy Sauce (Water, Soy Extract (Water, Soybean, Salt, Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin)), Salt, Cane Molasses, Barley Malt Vinegar, Barley Malt Extract), Paprika, Yeast Extract ((Yeast Extract, Salt), Water, Salt), Colour (E160(c)), Black Pepper, Acidity Regulator (E330), Cinnamon), Green Pepper, White Onion, Chilli Sauce (Water, Sugar, Chilli (Chilli, Water, Salt, Acidity Regulator (E260)), Garlic, Modified Tapioca Starch, Salt, Acidity Regulator (E260)), Tomato Ketchup (Water, Tomato Paste, Glucose Syrup, Barley Malt Vinegar, Sugar, Native Maize Starch, Salt, Colour (E150(a)), Acidity Regulator (E330), Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Ground Clove), Glucose Suryp, Onion Puree, Red Pepper, Sugar, Red Pepper Paste (Water, Com Syrup, Wheat Flour, Wheat, Salt, Red Pepper Powder, Soybean, Alcohol, Garlic, Onion, Flavour Enhancer (E621)), Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat, Salt, Alcohol (Ethanol)), Water, Potato Starch, Mirin (Glucose Syrup, Water, Spirit Vinegar, Fermented Rice Alcohol (Water, Rice, Alcohol, Salt, Rice Malt), Sugar, Acidity Regulator (E330), Cane Molasses), Salt, Paprika Powder, Garlic Puree, White Miso (Water, Soybean, Rice, Salt)), Fried Chicken (18%) (Chicken Breast, Brining Mix (Water, Maize Starch, Salt, Acidity Regulator (E500), Spirit Vinegar Powder, Tapioca Starch, Dried Glucose Syrup)), Marinade Mix (Water, Marinade (Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Paprika, Salt, Raising Agent (E500(M)), Mushroom Extract (Maltodextrin, Mushroom Extract), Black Pepper Extract), Rapeseed Oil), Rapeseed Oil, Corn Flour).
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.