Spanish croquetas
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
10
0 we grade moderate or higher
6 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
19.60g
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 (10)
This label lists 6 thickeners and gelling agents, 2 acidity regulators, 1 colour and 1 preservative.
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
E407
Carrageenan
Thickener and stabiliser
What it is. A gel forming fibre extracted from red seaweed.
Why it is used. Thickens dairy, plant milks, desserts and some processed meats.
What the evidence says. Food grade carrageenan is permitted. A degraded form called poligeenan is harmful, but that is not what goes into food. Some lab and animal work links carrageenan to gut inflammation, which keeps it under review, but human evidence is limited and mixed.
Permitted, including in organic food in many places, though a few specialist products avoid it as a precaution.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E407
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
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
- E1400 Dextrin thickener
- E150A Plain caramel colour
- E410 Locust bean gum thickener
- E412 Guar gum thickener
- E451 Triphosphates acidity regulator
- 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
Mushroom Croquetas (80%) (Cows' Milk, Mushroom, Rice Flour, Butter (Cows' Milk), Maize Starch, Potato Starch, White Onion, Salt, Pea Protein, Water, Skimmed Cows' Milk Powder, Sunflower Oil, Black Pepper, Garlic, Stabilisers: Methyl Cellulose, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum, Triphosphates; Brown Sugar, Bamboo Fibre, Dextrose, Dextrin, Colour: Plain Caramel; Paprika, Preservative: Potassium Sorbate; Flavouring, Parsley, Sage, Thyme, Marjoram, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid), Aioli Dip (15%) (Rapeseed Oil, Water, Egg Yolk, Garlic Purée, Lemon Juice from Concentrate, Cornflour, Salt, Garlic Powder), Pecorino Cheese (5%) (Sheeps' Milk). Packaged in a protective atmosphere
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.