Starburst babies
Wrigley
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
7
3 we grade moderate or higher
3 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 (7)
This label lists 4 colours, 1 acidity regulator, 1 glazing agent and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
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
E110
Sunset Yellow FCF
Orange-yellow colour
What it is. A synthetic orange yellow dye.
Why it is used. Colours squashes, sweets, snacks and desserts.
What the evidence says. Also one of the Southampton Six, carrying the same signal for hyperactivity in sensitive children.
UK and EU require the children's activity warning. Permitted in the US.
Assessed against UK FSA, EFSA. Full entry for E110
E122
Carmoisine
Red colour
What it is. A synthetic red dye, also called azorubine.
Why it is used. Colours jellies, sweets, drinks and desserts.
What the evidence says. One of the Southampton Six. The same modest hyperactivity signal in some children, and the same warning requirement.
Children's activity warning required in the UK and EU. Not approved for food use in the US.
Assessed against UK FSA, EFSA. Full entry for E122
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
- E133 Brilliant blue FCF colour
- E428 Gelatine thickener
- 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
sugar, _wheat_ glucose syrup, water, thickener (_wheat_ starch), food acid (330), gelling agent (gelatine), flavour, apple juice concentrated (0.3%), colours (122, 133, 102, 110), glazing agent (903).
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.