Jaffa Cakes
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
9
0 we grade moderate or higher
6 of them not yet assessed here
Sugars per 100g
51.10g
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 (9)
This label lists 3 raising agents, 2 acidity regulators, 1 colour, 1 emulsifier, 1 additive and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
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
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
- E331 Sodium citrates acidity regulator
- E422 Glycerol other
- E440 Pectin thickener
- E450 Diphosphates raising agent
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
- E503 Ammonium carbonates raising 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
Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Dark Chocolate (22%) (sugar, cocoa mass, cocoa butter, emulsifier (_soya_ lecithins)), sugar, wheat flour (_wheat_ flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), pasteurised _egg_, dextrose, glucose syrup, concentrated orange juice (1%), gelling agents (pectin, citric acid), humectant (glycerine), sunflower oil, raising agents (ammonium bicarbonate, disodium diphosphate, sodium bicarbonate), acidity regulators (sodium citrate, citric acid), flavouring, colour (curcumin), _wheat_ bran.
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.