Special Chicken Instant Noodles
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
8
0 we grade moderate or higher
6 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
6.60g
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 (8)
This label lists 2 acidity regulators, 2 colours, 2 flavour enhancers, 1 raising agent and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E466
Carboxymethyl cellulose
Thickener and stabiliser
What it is. A modified plant fibre used to thicken and stabilise.
Why it is used. Common in ice cream, low fat products, gluten free bakery and sauces.
What the evidence says. Falls in the same emulsifier and gut research bucket as polysorbate 80, with early human work hinting at effects on the microbiome. Interesting, not conclusive.
Permitted with limits.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E466
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
- E101 Riboflavin colour
- E160C Paprika extract, capsanthin colour
- E452 Polyphosphates 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
Noodles: Wheat Flour, Palm Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Stabiliser (Polyphosphates), Acidity Regulators (Sodium Carbonates, Potassium Carbonates), Thickener (Carboxymethyl Cellulose), Colour (Riboflavin). Seasoning Powder: Salt, Sugar, Flavour Enhancers (Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium 5 Ribonucleotides), Mixed Spices (Onion, Garlic, White Pepper, Shallot, Chilli, Ginger), Hydrolysed Soya Protein (Soy Sauce, Salt, Maltodextrin, Corn Starch), Yeast Extract, Maize Starch, Palm Oil, Flavouring, Colour (Paprika Extract). Seasoning Oil: Palm Oil, Onion, Spices (Salt, Sugar, Flavour Enhancers (Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium 5' Ribonucleotides), Mixed Spices (Onion, Garlic, White Pepper, Shallot, Chilli, Ginger), Hydrolysed Soya Protein (Soy Sauce, Salt, Maltodextrin, Corn Starch), Yeast Extract, Maize Starch, Palm Oil, Flavouring, Colour (Paprika Extract). Allergy Advice: For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in BOLD May also contain Milk Beanuts and folan: Hort
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.