FOOD LABELS / Ingredients

Search the ingredients currently annotated across products in this label ledger. Filter by function, allergen association, evidence-backed concern, or product category.

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86 ingredients found
acesulfame k

Acesulfame K

INS 950

Acesulfame potassium · INS 950 · E950

SweetenerHigh-intensity sweetener

Artificial sweetener, FDA/EFSA approved, often paired with sucralose. Some newer studies suggest possible metabolic/gut effects at high long-term intake — evidence still developing.

Products on file 1
allura red

Allura Red (Red 40)

INS 129

Red 40 · FD&C Red No. 40 · INS 129 · E129

ColourSynthetic colour

Synthetic red azo dye, one of the "Southampton Six" colours a UK study linked to increased hyperactivity in some children — requires a warning label in the EU. Labelled as "Red 40" or "FD&C Red No. 40" on some imported products.

Products on file 1
ammonium bicarbonate

Ammonium Bicarbonate

INS 503ii

INS 503ii · E503ii

Raising agent

Leavening agent used in crackers/biscuits. Breaks down fully on baking; low concern.

Products on file 8
annatto

Annatto / Norbixin

INS 160b

Norbixin · INS 160b · E160b

Colour

Natural orange-red colour extracted from annatto seeds. Low concern; rare reports of allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals.

Products on file 1
artificial vanilla

Artificial Vanilla Flavour

Flavour

Synthetic vanillin, chemically similar to natural vanilla compounds. Considered low risk, though less "clean label" than real vanilla.

Products on file 1
benzoic acid

Benzoic Acid

INS 210

INS 210 · E210

Preservative

Preservative closely related to sodium benzoate. Carries the same low-level trace-benzene concern when combined with vitamin C plus heat/light exposure, though typical exposure is considered well within safe limits by regulators.

Products on file 1
brilliant blue

Brilliant Blue FCF

INS 133

INS 133 · E133

ColourSynthetic colour

Synthetic blue dye. Generally considered lower-concern than the azo dyes (Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine), though still a fully synthetic colourant.

Products on file 4
caffeine

Caffeine

StimulantCaffeine / stimulant

Stimulant. Guidance generally advises against regular caffeine intake for young children; this pack states "not recommended for children under 3."

Products on file 5
Evidence and context
caramel i

Caramel Colour I

INS 150a

INS 150a · E150a

Colour

"Plain" caramel colour made without ammonia or sulphites — the lowest-concern of the four caramel colour classes; no 4-MEI flag (unlike Class IV / INS 150d).

Products on file 3
caramel iv

Caramel Colour IV

INS 150d

Sulphite ammonia caramel · INS 150d · E150d

Colour

Can contain trace 4-MEI, which California Prop 65 lists as a possible carcinogen; JECFA/EFSA consider levels in cola-type drinks within safe limits.

Products on file 3
carmoisine

Carmoisine

INS 122

INS 122 · E122

ColourSynthetic colour

Synthetic red azo dye, one of the "Southampton Six" colours a UK study linked to increased hyperactivity in some children — requires a warning label in the EU.

Products on file 3
carrageenan

Carrageenan

INS 407

INS 407 · E407

Emulsifier / stabilizer

Seaweed-derived thickener. FDA/JECFA approved, but some researchers and consumer groups (CSPI) flag possible gut inflammation, especially degraded forms.

Products on file 5
citric acid

Citric Acid

INS 330

INS 330 · E330

Acidity regulator

Naturally occurring fruit acid used as an acidulant. Well-studied, low concern; frequent intake from acidic drinks can contribute to dental erosion.

Products on file 12
coffee

Coffee

Flavour

Contributes an unstated amount of caffeine via the mocha filling — unlike most chocolates in this set, this one carries coffee as a direct ingredient rather than just flavouring.

Products on file 2
glucuronolactone

D-Glucuronolactone

Other

A compound the body also produces naturally, commonly added to energy drinks alongside taurine. Considered safe at typical energy-drink levels, though its long-term effects at these doses in adolescents are less studied.

Products on file 1
disodium diphosphate

Disodium Diphosphate

INS 450i

INS 450i · E450i

Raising agent

Emulsifying/buffering salt common in processed cheese. Low concern at typical levels, contributes to overall phosphate intake.

Products on file 3
disodium guanylate

Disodium Guanylate

INS 627

INS 627 · E627

Flavour

Flavour enhancer typically used alongside MSG and disodium inosinate to boost savoury taste. Considered safe at typical food-use levels.

Products on file 1
disodium inosinate

Disodium Inosinate

INS 631

INS 631 · E631

Flavour

Flavour enhancer typically used alongside MSG to boost savoury/umami taste. Considered safe at typical food-use levels.

Products on file 1
disodium phosphate

Disodium Phosphate

INS 339ii

INS 339ii · E339ii

Acidity regulator

Emulsifying salt/acidity regulator common in dairy and processed foods. Low concern at typical levels; contributes to overall phosphate and sodium intake.

Products on file 1
fructose

Fructose

Sweetener

Added in a very small amount (<1%) here to round out sweetness alongside naturally occurring sugars. Fine in this quantity.

Products on file 1
guar gum

Guar Gum

INS 412

INS 412 · E412

Emulsifier / stabilizer

Plant-derived thickener. Well-studied, low concern at food-use levels.

Products on file 6
guarana

Guarana Extract

Paullinia Cupana

StimulantCaffeine / stimulant

A plant extract naturally rich in caffeine, often added to energy drinks on top of separately-listed caffeine — meaning total caffeine can be higher than the "Caffeine" ingredient line alone suggests.

Products on file 2
hydrogenated palm kernel oil

Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil

OtherHydrogenated fat

A hardened tropical fat used in place of some cocoa butter for texture and shelf stability, common in compound/lower-cost chocolate. The hydrogenation process is the classic route trans fat enters a product — worth checking the trans fat line on any product using it, even though levels are typically low on modern labels.

Products on file 9
inositol

Inositol

Vitamin / mineral

Naturally occurring carbohydrate-like compound also found in the body and many whole foods. No established safety concern at energy-drink levels.

Products on file 3
l carnitine

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate

Other

An amino-acid-derivative ingredient marketed for energy metabolism. Considered safe at typical energy-drink doses.

Products on file 1
lactic acid

Lactic Acid

INS 270

INS 270 · E270

Acidity regulator

Common acidulant, naturally occurring in fermented foods. Well-studied, low concern.

Products on file 1
locust bean gum

Locust Bean Gum

INS 410

INS 410 · E410

Emulsifier / stabilizer

Plant-derived thickener, similar profile to guar gum. Low concern.

Products on file 1
magnesium carbonate i

Magnesium Carbonate (i)

INS 504i

INS 504i · E504i

Raising agent

Acidity regulator/anticaking agent. Low concern at food-use levels. Distinct from the (ii) form already listed above.

Products on file 1
magnesium phosphate

Magnesium Phosphate

Vitamin / mineral

Mineral fortificant supplying magnesium and phosphorus. Low concern, essentially a nutrient source.

Products on file 1
malt extract

Malt Extract (Barley)

FlavourGluten cereals

Natural flavouring/sweetening ingredient. Contains gluten — relevant for anyone with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Products on file 5
Evidence and context
maltodextrin

Maltodextrin

Other

Highly processed carbohydrate used as a flavour carrier/bulking agent. Not a toxicity concern, but has a high glycemic index and adds to overall carb load.

Products on file 5
mono diglycerides

Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

INS 471

INS 471 · E471

Emulsifier / stabilizer

Common emulsifier, generally recognised as safe. Can occasionally derive from partially hydrogenated oils — worth checking if trans-fat sensitive.

Products on file 6
msg

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

INS 621

MSG · Monosodium glutamate · INS 621 · E621

Flavour

Flavour enhancer providing umami/savoury taste. Extensively studied and considered safe by major food safety bodies (FDA, EFSA); some people report mild sensitivity, though controlled studies haven't consistently confirmed a causal link.

Products on file 1
caramel iii

Natural Caramel Colour

INS 150c

INS 150c · E150c

Colour

Ammonia-process caramel colour class. Low concern, distinct from the sulphite-ammonia Class IV (INS 150d) that carries the 4-MEI flag.

Products on file 1
palm olein

Palm Olein

Other

Liquid fraction of palm oil, high in saturated fat. Not a toxicity concern, but a meaningful contributor to daily saturated-fat intake in fried/baked snacks.

Products on file 6
ginseng

Panax Ginseng Extract

StimulantCaffeine / stimulant

An herbal extract traditionally used for energy/stamina. Generally recognised as safe at food-use levels; can interact with certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) with regular/heavy consumption.

Products on file 2
paprika extract

Paprika Extract

INS 160c

INS 160c · E160c

Colour

Natural carotenoid colour/flavour from paprika peppers. Low concern, approved natural colour.

Products on file 1
pectin

Pectin

INS 440

INS 440 · E440

Emulsifier / stabilizer

Natural fruit-derived thickener/gelling agent; also a source of soluble fibre. Very low concern.

Products on file 1
phosphoric acid

Phosphoric Acid

INS 338

INS 338 · E338

Acidity regulator

Acidulant/flavouring in colas. Linked in studies to dental erosion and, with heavy long-term cola intake, lower bone density (EFSA).

Products on file 2
pgpr

Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR)

INS 476

PGPR · INS 476 · E476

Emulsifier / stabilizer

Emulsifier used in chocolate to reduce fat content and improve flow. Generally recognised as safe at typical chocolate usage levels.

Products on file 15
ponceau 4r

Ponceau 4R

INS 124

INS 124 · E124

ColourSynthetic colour

Synthetic red azo dye, one of the "Southampton Six" colours a UK study linked to increased hyperactivity in some children — requires a warning label in the EU.

Products on file 1
potassium dihydrogen citrate

Potassium Dihydrogen Citrate

INS 332i

INS 332i · E332i

Acidity regulator

Acidity regulator/buffering salt. Low concern.

Products on file 1
potassium sorbate

Potassium Sorbate

INS 202

INS 202 · E202

Preservative

Widely used, well-studied preservative considered safe; can occasionally trigger mild sensitivity in preservative-sensitive individuals.

Products on file 1
shellac

Shellac

INS 904

INS 904 · E904

Processing aid

A resin secreted by the lac insect, used as a glazing/polishing agent to give a shiny coating on candy-coated products. Food-safe and widely used, but is an animal (insect) product — relevant for strict vegetarians/vegans.

Products on file 2
silicon dioxide

Silicon Dioxide

INS 551

INS 551 · E551

Processing aid

Common anticaking agent (also known as silica). Considered safe by FDA/EFSA at food-use levels.

Products on file 1
skimmed milk permeate

Skimmed Milk Permeate

OtherMilk

A dairy byproduct left over from milk protein filtration, mostly lactose and minerals. Low concern, a fairly standard dairy-processing ingredient.

Products on file 1
Evidence and context
sodium alginate

Sodium Alginate

INS 401

INS 401 · E401

Emulsifier / stabilizer

Seaweed-derived thickener/stabiliser. Well-studied, low concern at food-use levels.

Products on file 1
sodium benzoate

Sodium Benzoate

INS 211

INS 211 · E211

Preservative

Common preservative, generally recognised as safe. Can form trace benzene when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) plus heat/light — a longstanding, low-level concern; typical exposure considered well within safe limits by regulators.

Products on file 2
sodium bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate

INS 500ii

INS 500ii · E500ii

Raising agent

Common buffering/raising agent (baking soda). Low concern, negligible sodium contribution.

Products on file 8
cmc

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

INS 466

CMC · Carboxymethyl cellulose · INS 466 · E466

Emulsifier / stabilizer

Common stabiliser/thickener. Low concern at typical food-use levels.

Products on file 4
sodium hydrogen sulphite

Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite

INS 222

INS 222 · E222

PreservativeSulphitesSulphites

Sulphite preservative. Can trigger reactions (including asthma symptoms) in sulphite-sensitive individuals — a declared allergen.

Products on file 1
Evidence and context
sodium metabisulphite

Sodium Metabisulphite

INS 223

INS 223 · E223

PreservativeSulphitesSulphites

A sulphite preservative/flour treatment agent. Can trigger reactions in sulphite-sensitive individuals and asthmatics — a declared allergen where used.

Products on file 1
Evidence and context
sodium polyphosphate

Sodium Polyphosphate

INS 452i

INS 452i · E452i

Acidity regulator

Emulsifying salt that keeps processed cheese smooth and prevents separation. Low concern at typical levels, though cumulative high phosphate intake from multiple processed foods is sometimes flagged for people with existing kidney issues.

Products on file 1
sorbic acid

Sorbic Acid

INS 200

INS 200 · E200

Preservative

Common preservative that inhibits mould and yeast growth. Well-studied, low concern, generally recognised as safe.

Products on file 1
soya lecithin

Soya Lecithin

Soy lecithin · INS 322

Emulsifier / stabilizerSoy

Common emulsifier from soybeans. Low concern except for those with soy allergy.

Products on file 31
Evidence and context
sucralose

Sucralose

INS 955

INS 955 · E955

SweetenerHigh-intensity sweetener

Artificial sweetener, approved by FDA/EFSA as safe. Some newer studies suggest possible gut-microbiome effects at high intake — evidence still developing.

Products on file 4
sunset yellow

Sunset Yellow

INS 110

Yellow 6 · FD&C Yellow No. 6 · INS 110 · E110

ColourSynthetic colour

Synthetic orange-yellow azo dye, another of the "Southampton Six" colours — same EU hyperactivity warning requirement as tartrazine and Ponceau 4R.

Products on file 5
tartrazine

Tartrazine

INS 102

Yellow 5 · FD&C Yellow No. 5 · INS 102 · E102

ColourSynthetic colour

Synthetic yellow azo dye, also one of the "Southampton Six." Can trigger reactions in aspirin-sensitive individuals, alongside the same EU hyperactivity labelling requirement.

Products on file 4
taurine

Taurine

Other

Amino-sulfonic acid the body also produces naturally. Considered safe at typical energy-drink levels; long-term interaction with caffeine in adolescents is less studied.

Products on file 5
tetrasodium diphosphate

Tetrasodium Diphosphate

INS 450iii

INS 450iii · E450iii

Acidity regulator

Same phosphate salt family, used as an emulsifier in processed cheese. Low concern.

Products on file 1

Allergen associations and concerns are navigation aids, not a guarantee that a product is safe for you. Formulations change; always read the current pack and ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist about medicines.

How to read this. Each product shows the date its label was photographed and entered — formulations change, so older entries may be out of date. "% of daily limit" figures use WHO/FAO reference intakes: adult ≈2000 kcal/day; child bands are age-scaled estimates for sugar, sodium and saturated fat, not official Sri Lankan RDAs (none published). Ingredient notes are drawn from public regulatory and research sources (EFSA, FDA/GRAS, WHO, CSPI) for context, not a claim that any product is unsafe at typical serving sizes. Always check the pack. This is a personal reference project, not medical advice.