BBQ Beef Yakisoba
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
12
0 we grade moderate or higher
7 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
3.43g
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 (12)
This label lists 3 acidity regulators, 2 flavour enhancers, 2 thickeners and gelling agents, 1 antioxidant, 1 carrier, 1 colour, 1 preservative 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
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
E415
Xanthan gum
Thickener and stabiliser
What it is. A fibre made by fermenting sugars with a bacterium, which thickens liquids at very low doses.
Why it is used. Thickens sauces and dressings and gives structure to gluten free baking.
What the evidence says. Passes through largely undigested and is treated as safe by regulators, with no numerical intake limit. Very large amounts act as fibre does, which is a digestive effect rather than a safety one.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E415
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
- E1400 Dextrin thickener
- E150 Caramel colour
- E1510 Ethanol carrier
- E260 Acetic acid acidity regulator
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
- E501 Potassium carbonates acidity regulator
- E635 Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides flavour enhancer
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 (73%) (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, Molasses, 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-Fried 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 Dil, Flavour Enhancer (E621)), Marinated Beef (Beef (7%), Marination (Teriyaki Sauce (Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat. Salt, Alcohol (Ethanol)), Water, Sake, Modified Starch, Colour (E150(c))), Water, Pear Puree (Poor Puree antioxidant (E300)), Glucose, (Flavour Enhancers (E621, E635), Salt, Glucose, Dried Help Powder, Sugar, Help Extract (Dextrin, Help, Flavour Enhancer (E621), Salt), Garlic Puree, Salt, Onion Puree, Ginger Puree, White Pepper, Barbeque Sauce (3%) (Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce (Soybean, Wheat, Salt), Wine (Sulphur Dioxide), Sugar, Water, Spirit Vinegar, Salt, Spice Extracts, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder), Tomato Ketchup (Water, Tomato Paste, Glucose Syrup, Malt Vinegar (Barley), Sugar, Maize Starch, Salt, Colour (E150(c)), Acidity Regulator (E330), Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Clove), Sweet Chilli (Water, Sugar, Chilli (Chilli, Water, Salt, Acidity Regulator (E260), Garlic, Modified Tapioca Starch, Salt, Acidity Regulator (E260)), Mirin (Glucose Syrup, Water, Spirit Vinegar, Fermented Rice Alcohol (Water, Rice, Alcohol, Rice Malt) Sugar, Acidity Regulator (E330), Cane Molasses), Teriyaki Sauce (Sugar (Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat, Salt, Alcohol (Ethanol)), Water, Sake (Water, Rice, Hoji), Modified Starch, Colour (E150(c)), Thickener (E415)), Red Pepper Paste, Corn Flour), Carrot, Edamame Bean (Soybean), Red Pepper, Yellow Pepper, Rapeseed Oil.
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.