rainbow orzo 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
3.90g
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 antioxidant and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
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
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
Plum Tomatoes (30%), Cooked Orzo Pasta (28%) [Water, Durum Wheat Semolina, Rapeseed Oil], Wild Garlic Pesto Dressing [Water, Rapeseed Oil, Wild Garlic, Basil, Medium Fat Hard Cheese (Milk), Spirit Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic Purée, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Cornflour, Potato Starch, Black Pepper, Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid)], Rocket, Chard, Spinach, Water, Roasted Red Pepper, Roasted Yellow Pepper, Roasted Red Onion, Lemon Juice, Balsamic Vinegar [White Wine Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, Concentrated Grape Must], Parsley, Sugar, Oak Smoked Tomato Purée, White Wine Vinegar, Rapeseed Oil, Cornflour, Salt, Garlic Purée, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Stabiliser (Xanthan Gum). Allergy Advice For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold.
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.