Bang bang chickpea
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
Fat per 100g
5.80g
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 (9)
This label lists 2 acidity regulators, 2 colours, 2 thickeners and gelling agents, 1 anticaking agent, 1 preservative and 1 raising 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
E160A
Carotenes
Yellow to orange colour
What it is. The orange pigments found in carrots and other vegetables, either extracted or made synthetically.
Why it is used. Colours margarine, soft drinks, dairy, and sweets.
What the evidence says. The same compound the body turns into vitamin A, and safe at the levels used in food. High dose beta-carotene supplements have been linked to harm in smokers, but those doses are far above anything a colour in food delivers, and conflating the two is a common mistake.
Permitted. The supplement findings apply to concentrated doses, not to food colouring.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E160A
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
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E141 Copper complexes of chlorophylls colour
- E260 Acetic acid acidity regulator
- E296 Malic acid acidity regulator
- E412 Guar gum thickener
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
- E535 Sodium ferrocyanide anticaking 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
White Tortilla Wrap (50%) (Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamine), Water, Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil), Sugar, Acidity Regulator (Malic Acid), Raising Agent (Sodium Carbonates), Salt), Chickpeas (19%) (Chickpeas, Water, Salt), Rainbow Slaw (11%) (Red Cabbage, Carrot, Red Pepper, Red Onion, Lemon Juice, Salt (Salt, Anti-Caking Agent (Sodium Ferrocyanide)), Black Pepper), Vegan Mint Mayo Sriracha Mango (11%) (Vegan Mayonnaise (Water, Rapeseed Oil, Thickener (Modified Starch), Sugar, Salt, Acidity Regulator (Acetic Acid), Stabilisers (Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum), Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate), Flavouring, Colour (Beta Carotene)), Mango Chutney (Sugar, Mango (48%), Salt, Acidity Regulator (Acetic Acid), Garlic, Cumin Seeds, Mixed Spices, Fenugreek Seeds, Nigella Seeds, Herb), Sriracha Sauce (Chilli (56%), Garlic, Sugar, Salt, Distilled Vinegar, Stabiliser (Xanthan Gum)), Mint Sauce (Water, Sugar, Acidity Regulator (Acetic Acid), Dried Mint (4%), Salt, Modified Maize Starch, Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum), Colour (Copper Chlorophyllin), Natural Flavouring)), Lettuce (8%).
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.