Sweet and smoky bbq chicken pasta salad
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
2
0 we grade moderate or higher
Counted from the label, not by quantity
Fat per 100g
3.70g
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 (2)
This label lists 1 acidity regulator and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
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
Ingredients
Cooked Short Penne Pasta (31%) [Durum Wheat Semolina, Water, Rapeseed Oil], Iceberg Lettuce (20%), Carrots, Barbecue Chicken (11%) [Chicken Breast, Barbecue Sauce [Water, Tomato Purée, Apples, Demerara Sugar, Smoked Paprika, Maize Starch, Onions, Red Wine Vinegar, Black Treacle, Garlic Purée, Caramelised Sugar Syrup, Sea Salt, Soya Beans, Rice, Cayenne Pepper, Thyme, Salt, Preservatives (Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid)], Salt], Barbecue Mayonnaise [Water, Rapeseed Oil, Pasteurised Whole Egg, Cornflour, Tomato Purée, Spirit Vinegar, Salt, Apples, Sugar, Rice Starch, Demerara Sugar, Smoked Paprika, Maize Starch, Onions, Citrus Fibre, Red Wine Vinegar, Black Treacle, Dried Egg White, Garlic Purée, Caramelised Sugar Syrup, Potato Fibre, Sea Salt, Soya Beans, Rice, Cayenne Pepper, Thyme, Preservatives (Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid)], Sweetcorn, Red Peppers, Water, White Wine Vinegar, Rapeseed Oil, Sugar, Mustard Seeds, Salt, Spirit Vinegar, Black Pepper, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Stabiliser (Xanthan Gum), Garlic Purée.
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.