Cornflake Squares
Carleton Cakes
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
Sugars per 100g
29g
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 (9)
This label lists 3 colours, 2 acidity regulators, 2 thickeners and gelling agents, 1 additive 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
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
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
- E160B Annatto, bixin, norbixin colour
- E163 Anthocyanins colour
- E331 Sodium citrates acidity regulator
- E422 Glycerol other
- E428 Gelatine thickener
- E440 Pectin 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
Cornflakes (19%) (Maize, Sugar, Salt, BARLEY Malt Extract, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Iron), Wheat Flour (WHEAT Flour, Calcium, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin), Marshmallows (Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Water, Maize Starch, Beef Gelatine, Natural Flavourings, Beetroot Juice Concentrate), Jam (12%) (Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Apple Puree, Sugar, Natural Flavouring, Acid: Citric Acid; Gelling Agent: Pectin; Colour: Anthocyanins; Preservative: Potassium Sorbate; Acidity Regulator: Sodium Citrates), Margarine (Vegetable Oils (Palm, Rapeseed), Water, Salt, Emulsifier: Distilled Monoglyceride; Colours: Annatto Bixin, Curcumin; Natural Flavouring), Vegetable Oils (Palm, Rapeseed), Invert Sugar Syrup, Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Humectant: Glycerol. Allergy Advice:
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.