So Sweet MASSIVE 5KG PICK'N'MIX BARGAIN BAG AMIX O
Unknown brand
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
16
3 we grade moderate or higher
11 of them not yet assessed here
Sugars per 100g
90.54g
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 (16)
This label lists 10 colours, 2 glazing agents, 1 acidity regulator, 1 additive and 1 sweetener. 1 more we cannot place from the code alone.
E102
Tartrazine
Yellow colour
What it is. A synthetic lemon yellow dye.
Why it is used. Colours soft drinks, sweets, sauces and snacks.
What the evidence says. One of the Southampton Six colours linked in a 2007 UK study to increased hyperactivity in some children. The effect is modest and does not affect every child, but it was enough for a mandatory on pack warning.
UK and EU require the label to warn it may affect activity and attention in children. Permitted in the US without that warning.
Assessed against UK FSA, EFSA. Full entry for E102
E104
Quinoline Yellow
Greenish yellow colour
What it is. A synthetic dye giving a dull greenish yellow.
Why it is used. Colours sweets, ices, sauces and some smoked fish.
What the evidence says. One of the Southampton Six, carrying the same hyperactivity signal in sensitive children. EFSA also lowered its acceptable daily intake in 2009 after re-examining the older toxicology.
Children's activity warning required in the UK and EU. Not approved for general food use in the US.
Assessed against UK FSA, EFSA. Full entry for E104
E129
Allura Red AC
Red colour
What it is. A synthetic red dye, sometimes labelled Red 40 in the US.
Why it is used. Colours sweets, drinks, cereals and baked goods.
What the evidence says. Another Southampton Six colour. Beyond the hyperactivity signal, some newer animal research on gut inflammation has renewed interest, though that is early and not settled in humans.
Children's activity warning in the UK and EU. In the US it remains permitted, though several states have moved to restrict synthetic dyes in school food.
Assessed against UK FSA, EFSA, US FDA. Full entry for E129
E420
Sorbitol
Sweetener and humectant
What it is. A sugar alcohol, about half as sweet as sugar, which also holds moisture.
Why it is used. Used in sugar free sweets and gum, and to keep baked goods soft.
What the evidence says. Not a toxicity question at all. Sugar alcohols are poorly absorbed, so a large amount draws water into the gut and has a laxative effect. That is well established, predictable and dose dependent, which is why the label has to say so.
Permitted. Foods with more than 10 per cent polyols must carry the statement that excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.
Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E420
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
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E120 Cochineal, carminic acid, carmines colour
- E133 Brilliant blue FCF colour
- E141 Copper complexes of chlorophylls colour
- E150D Sulphite ammonia caramel colour
- E153 Vegetable carbon colour
- E160C Paprika extract, capsanthin colour
- E180 No entry in our register
- E270 Lactic acid acidity regulator
- E422 Glycerol other
- E901 Beeswax glazing agent
- E903 Carnauba wax glazing 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 Syrup, Sugar, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Invert Sugar Syrup, Dextrose, Water WHEAT Flour (Contains GLUTEN), Corn Starch, Potato Starch, Vodified Potato Starch, Golat ne, Celling Agent (Pectina). Humectans (Glycerol, Sorbitols). Vegetable Fat (Coconut). Palmn Fat, Vegetable Oils (Coconut, Palm), Acids Citric Acic, Mallo Acic Lactic Acid). Ac dity Regulators (Soclum Citrates, Sodium Valates, Sodium actale Potassium Citrates), Salt. Flavourings, Antioxidant (Asconic Acid), Glazing Agents (Carnauba Wax, Beeswax), Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates (Safflower, Spirulina, Carrot, Radish, Blackcurrant. Lemon, Apple, Pumpkin, "omato, - ibiscus. Blueberry, Grape, Paar, Pineapola, Peach), Colours (E100, E102, E104, 120, E129, E133, E141 E50a; E150d, E153, E180, E160c), Apple Juice from Concentrate (%) Warning: Contains colours that may have an adverse effect on the activity and attention in onloren Allergy Advice: For Allegans dease see i gradianus in CAPITALS. May contain traces of Milk Soya and Musturc Contena May Vary, BBE (8/2027 Szrage Directions Stors in a ccd dy placa, away from heas and out of direct sunlight.
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.