Pasta pot protein Bolognese
Soulful
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
6
0 we grade moderate or higher
3 of them not yet assessed here
Salt per 100g
0.55g
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 (6)
This label lists 2 colours, 1 acidity regulator, 1 antioxidant, 1 preservative and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E202
Potassium sorbate
Preservative
What it is. The potassium salt of sorbic acid, which stops mould and yeast growth.
Why it is used. Used in cheese, baked goods, dried fruit, wine and dressings.
What the evidence says. Widely used and long regarded as one of the gentler preservatives. EFSA's 2015 re-evaluation lowered the acceptable daily intake and noted gaps in the genotoxicity data, asking for more work, while finding no evidence of harm at the levels actually used.
Permitted with maximum levels. EFSA has asked for further data rather than restricted it.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E202
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
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E150 Caramel colour
- E160C Paprika extract, capsanthin colour
- E461 Methyl cellulose thickener
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
Water, Vegan Mince 13.2% (Water, Rehydrated _Soya_ Protein, Rapeseed Oil, Spice Preparation (Pea Fibre, Thickener (Methyl Cellulose), Flavour, Beetroot Powder (Maltodextrin, Beetroot Juice Concentrate, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Tea Extract, Spice Extracts, Ascorbic Acid, Paprika Extract), Salt, Yeast Extract, Spice (Cracked Black Pepper, White Pepper), Colour (Caramel)), Tomato Purée 13%, Carrot, Red Cooking Wine (Red Wine (Sulphites), Salt, Flavour, Preservatives (Potassium Metabisulphate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid), Colour (Caramel)), Pasta 6.6% (Durum _Wheat_ (_Gluten_), Water), Chestnut Mushrooms, Onion, Celery, Vegetable Bouillon (Rice Flour, Salt, Maltodextrin, Rice Flour, Vegetables 8.3% (Onion, Carrot, Parsnip, Pumpkin), Yeast Extract, Sunflower Oil, Turmeric, Mushrooms (White Mushroom, Shiitake), Parsley, Concentrated Vegetable Juice (Onion, Carrot), Lovage, Garlic, Fennel Seed), Basil 1.3%, Garlic Purée, Sugar, Rapeseed Oil, Gluten Free Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Spirit Vinegar), Thyme 0.4%, Salt, Ground Black Pepper.
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.