Lunchable
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
11
1 we grade moderate or higher
9 of them not yet assessed here
Nutrients
–
Nothing above the low band
Or no figures recorded at all
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (11)
This label lists 4 acidity regulators, 3 preservatives, 2 raising agents, 1 antioxidant and 1 additive.
E250
Sodium nitrite
Preservative and colour fixer, cured meats
What it is. A curing salt that keeps cured and processed meats pink and stops the growth of the bacteria behind botulism.
Why it is used. Used in bacon, ham, salami and hot dogs for preservation, safety and colour.
What the evidence says. The concern is not the additive in isolation but processed meat as a whole, which the WHO's cancer agency IARC classes as Group 1, meaning there is sufficient evidence it causes colorectal cancer. Nitrite can form nitrosamines during curing and cooking, and those are the likely culprit. Risk rises with how much processed meat you eat over time.
Permitted with strict maximum levels. The EU cut the allowed limits further from 2023 to reduce nitrosamine formation.
Assessed against IARC, EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E250
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
- E200 Sorbic acid preservative
- E223 Sodium metabisulphite preservative
- E262 Sodium acetates acidity regulator
- E301 Sodium ascorbate antioxidant
- E326 Potassium lactate acidity regulator
- E331 Sodium citrates acidity regulator
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
- E503 Ammonium carbonates raising agent
- E508 Potassium chloride other
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
cheese food: cheese (75 %), skimmed milk (water, skimmed milk powder), emulsifying salts (sodium citrate, potassium citrate), milk protein, butter, skimmed milk powder, whey powder (from milik), vitamin d, preservative (sorbic acid), adidity regulator (citric acid), anti-caking agent (sunflower ledithin), wheat crackers: wheat flour (71 %), palm oil, wheat bran, sugar, butter, glucose-fructose syrup, raising agents (ammonium carbonate , sodium carbonate), whey powder (from milk) , wheat germ, salt, flavourings (contains milk), flour treatment agent (sodium metabisulphite), cooked formed ham: pork (85 %), starch, acidity regulators (potassium lactate, sodium acetate), salt, flavour enhancer (potassium chloride), antioxidant (sodium ascorbate), preservative (sodium nitrite), made with milk and cheese, baked not fried, with cured cooked ham slices, packaged in a protective atmosphere , reference in 'enjoy as part of a balanced, varied diet and healthy lifestyle , energy fat of which satura carbohydrate of which sugar fibre protein salt vitamin d calcium ** nutrient re lunchables - a fun snack for the ** good source of calcium source of protein no artificial colours or flavours with vitamin d which contributes to
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.