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Brand owned by Unilever (United Kingdom) · about the brand
knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 1.5 ShowHide
Reviewed 21 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This soup mix contains several ingredients of concern, most notably Caramel IV, which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen due to its 4-MEI by-product. It also contains hydrogenated palm oil and other palm oils, contributing to a high saturated fat content. The product is also very high in sodium, making it unsuitable for regular consumption, especially for young children or individuals monitoring their sodium intake. While it includes some dehydrated vegetables, they are present in trace amounts and do not significantly offset the nutritional drawbacks.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Carrot
Contains IARC 2B carcinogen (Caramel IV) and high saturated fat, very high sodium
This soup mix contains Caramel IV, an ammonia-process caramel colour that carries 4-MEI, classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. It also includes hydrogenated palm oil and other palm oils, contributing to high saturated fat, and is very high in sodium. These factors make it a concern most relevant to regular consumption, particularly for children and those with cardiovascular concerns or on sodium-restricted diets.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Flavour Enhancer - 627 & 631 and Palm oil are declared.
Declared allergens: Soy and Gluten
Relevant if you have any of these allergies or intolerances.
Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for food. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Saturated fat 3 g · trans fat 0 g per 100 g/ml
Infants under 1
AvoidContains added sugar, which is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitThis product is very high in sodium and added sugar, which are not suitable for the developing kidneys and dietary needs of young children. Regular consumption should be avoided.
Specific sensitivities
Avoid if affectedContains Disodium Ribonucleotides (E627 & E631), which are purine-based flavour enhancers that can trigger gout attacks.
Why the score is capped
Very high sodium per serving
Rule F-CAP-02
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) — which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture — IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); this label does not state its concentration
Rule F-CAP-10 · Source: IARC / EFSA classification of the additive
What's good
Contains some dehydrated vegetables (carrot)
Transparency in listing specific flavour enhancers and acidity regulators by INS codes
Watch out for
Very high sodium content per serving, unsuitable for regular consumption or those on sodium-restricted diets.
High saturated fat content from palm oil and hydrogenated palm oil.
Presence of Caramel IV (E150d) with its IARC 2B carcinogen classification (4-MEI).
Flavour enhancers (Disodium Ribonucleotides) can trigger gout.
Contains TBHQ, a synthetic antioxidant with potential health concerns.
Trace amounts of beneficial vegetables like cabbage and leeks mean minimal nutritional contribution.
Texturizer - 451(i) — phosphate additive — concern for kidney & heart health.
Flavours - Natural (Garlic) — a flavouring blend. Flavour substances are FSSAI/JECFA-evaluated, and labelling rules permit them to be declared by category ("natural", "nature identical", "artificial") rather than by individual compound — so the specific substances used are usually not disclosed. That means someone avoiding artificial flavourings, or with a known sensitivity, cannot verify what is in it. Noted as a moderate, transparency-level concern rather than a hazard.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Disodium Inosinate (E631)
Disodium inosinate is a nucleotide flavour enhancer derived from meat or fish. High in purines; individuals with gout or elevated uric acid should avoid products containing this additive.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA INS 631
Disodium Inosinate: regulation, sources and other products →Disodium Guanylate (E627)
Disodium guanylate is a nucleotide flavour enhancer high in purines. Often found alongside MSG or E635. Gout sufferers and those with kidney stones should avoid foods containing E627.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA INS 627
Disodium Guanylate: regulation, sources and other products →Palm Oil
Palm oil is very high in saturated fatty acids (~50%), which raise LDL cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk with regular high consumption. Refined palm oil can also carry processing contaminants (glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD esters), which EFSA assessed in 2016.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: WHO; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; EFSA CONTAM opinion (2016)
Palm Oil: regulation, sources and other products →TBHQ (E319)
TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant used to extend shelf life of oils and fried foods. Animal studies at high doses showed tumour formation. Acceptable daily intake (ADI) is 0–0.7 mg/kg body weight. Children who consume large amounts of TBHQ-containing snacks may approach or exceed safe limits.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA 2004; FDA 21 CFR 172.185
TBHQ: regulation, sources and other products →Hydrogenated Vegetable Fat
A vegetable oil hardened by hydrogenation — including vanaspati / dalda. Labelled without "partially", it is in practice fully hydrogenated, and post-FSSAI-2021 vanaspati is reformulated to meet the 2% industrial-trans-fat cap — so it is treated as the modern, trans-FREE form rather than a trans-fat source, but it is high in saturated fat, which raises LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk with regular high consumption. If an oil is explicitly PARTIALLY hydrogenated it does carry industrial trans fat; either way, the product's declared trans-fat figure on the nutrition panel is the definitive check.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: WHO; FSSAI Trans Fatty Acids Regulation 2021; EFSA
Hydrogenated Vegetable Fat: regulation, sources and other products →Sodium Triphosphate (E451)
High dietary phosphate intake is linked to impaired kidney function, accelerated cardiovascular disease, and increased all-cause mortality in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Individuals with pre-existing kidney or heart conditions should strictly limit consumption of phosphate-rich processed foods.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI INS 451; EFSA Opinion on Phosphates
Sodium Triphosphate: regulation, sources and other products →Disodium Ribonucleotides (E635)
E635 is a mixture of disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). Both are purine nucleotides, which the body breaks down to uric acid. People with gout or hyperuricaemia, or who have been advised to limit purines, may wish to limit foods containing it. The amounts used in foods are small, so the concern applies to people already managing uric acid rather than to the general population.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA; WHO; Arthritis Foundation
Disodium Ribonucleotides: regulation, sources and other products →Caramel Colour (Class III & IV) (E150c)
Classes III and IV of caramel colour (INS 150c/150d) are made with ammonia, a process that can generate 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) as a by-product. IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans, and California lists it under Proposition 65 with a warning threshold — though EFSA's own re-evaluation did not reach the same level of concern as IARC's classification. This label does not state the product's 4-MEI concentration, so exposure from this specific product cannot be determined from the ingredient list alone. It is the colour that makes colas and dark sauces brown. Classes I and II are made without ammonia and do not carry this concern.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monograph Vol. 101 (4-MEI); California Proposition 65; EFSA re-evaluation of caramel colours (2011)
Caramel Colour (Class III & IV): regulation, sources and other products →Sodium Carbonate (E500)
Used as a leavening agent and acidity regulator. Contributes to total dietary sodium. Individuals on sodium-restricted diets (hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure) should account for sodium from all food additive sources, not just table salt.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI INS 500
Sodium Carbonate: regulation, sources and other products →Wheat Flour
Wheat and wheat-derived ingredients contain gluten, which triggers an autoimmune response in people with celiac disease, causing intestinal damage. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or wheat allergy must also avoid this ingredient. Labelled as a major allergen by FSSAI.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI Food Labelling Regulations; Celiac Disease Foundation
Wheat Flour: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Caramel IV (E150d), an ammonia-sulfite process caramel colour. Its by-product 4-MEI is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen.
Contains hydrogenated palm oil and other palm oils, contributing to a high saturated fat content, which is a cardiovascular concern.
Contains Disodium Ribonucleotides (E627 & E631), which are purine-based flavour enhancers that can trigger gout attacks in susceptible individuals.
Contains Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a synthetic antioxidant with potential health concerns at high or long-term exposure.
Contains refined wheat flour and wheat gluten, which are common allergens for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Claim check
1 claim not supported by label dataFront-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The ingredient list includes dehydrated vegetables, but also other ingredients like maize starch, refined wheat flour, palm oil, and various thickeners and flavour enhancers, indicating that the product is not made with '100% Real Vegetables' as the sole or primary component.
The claim refers to a specific regional style of soup, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
The ingredient list does not contain any ingredients commonly identified as preservatives.
Based on the nutrition information, 11g of soup powder (which is 11/161 of a serving) would contain approximately 2.75 kcal, which is significantly lower than the stated 40 kcal. However, the nutrition information is given per 100g and per serving (161g prepared soup), not per 11
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
29 entries as printed on the label · 27 distinct ingredients (some are declared more than once).
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1.
Maize Starch
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2.
Noodles 24.7%Noodles (24.7%)
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Refined Wheat Flour within NoodlesRefined Wheat Flour (Maida)
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Palm Oil within Noodles
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Palmolein within Noodles
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Iodised Salt within NoodlesIodised salt
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Wheat Gluten within Noodles
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Acidity Regulator - 500(ii) within Noodles
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Texturizer - 451(i) within Noodles
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Thickener - 415 within Noodles
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Antioxidant - 319 within Noodles
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3.
Sugar
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4.
Iodised SaltIodised salt
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5.
Dehydrated Vegetables#Dehydrated Vegetables (Carrot (2.1%), Cabbage (1.7%), Leeks (1.1%))
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Carrot 2.1% within Dehydrated VegetablesCarrot (2.1%)
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Cabbage 1.7% within Dehydrated Vegetables trace amountCabbage (1.7%)
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Leeks 1.1% within Dehydrated Vegetables trace amountLeeks (1.1%)
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6.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
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7.
Food Colour - Caramel IV synthetic colour
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8.
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
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9.
Thickener - 415
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10.
Flavours - Natural (Garlic)
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11.
Nature Identical Flavouring Substances (Soya Sauce)Nature Identical flavouring substances (Soya Sauce)
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12.
Flavour Enhancer - 627 & 631
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13.
Acidity Regulator - 330Acidity Regulator- 330
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14.
Spices & CondimentsSpices & Condiments (Chillies (0.2%), Black Pepper (0.2%))
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Chillies 0.2% within Spices & Condiments trace amountChillies (0.2%)
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Black Pepper 0.2% within Spices & Condiments trace amountBlack Pepper (0.2%)
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15.
Oleoresin Chilli
Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
A blend of refined vegetable oils, judged as a single concern — a high saturated-fat source — rather than one flag per oil. The individual oils are listed below and in "What the label actually shows".
These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
The label declares each of these as a blend and then lists what is in it. The components appear in the groups above on their own merits, so the blend itself is shown here rather than counted a second time.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 71.6 g |
| Total Sugars | 14.6 g |
| Added Sugars | 13.6 g |
| Total Fat | 6.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.02 g |
| Dietary Fibre | 2.8 g |
| Sodium | 4,374 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0.1 mg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
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What are the ingredients in knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup?
The label of knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup lists 27 ingredients, in label order: Maize starch, Noodles, Refined wheat flour, Palm oil, Palmolein, Wheat gluten, Acidity Regulator - 500(ii), Texturizer - 451(i), Antioxidant - 319, Sugar, Iodised Salt, Dehydrated Vegetables, Carrot, Cabbage, Leeks, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Food Colour - Caramel IV, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Thickener - 415, Flavours - Natural (Garlic), Nature Identical Flavouring Substances (Soya Sauce), Flavour Enhancer - 627 & 631, Acidity Regulator - 330, Spices & Condiments, Chillies, Black Pepper, Oleoresin Chilli. Flagged by the analysis: Food Colour - Caramel IV, Texturizer - 451(i), Antioxidant - 319, Flavour Enhancer - 627 & 631, Flavours - Natural (Garlic).
Is knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup safe to eat?
knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup scores 1.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). This soup mix contains Caramel IV, an ammonia-process caramel colour that carries 4-MEI, classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. It also includes hydrogenated palm oil and other palm oils, contributing to high saturated fat, and is very high in sodium. These factors make it a concern most relevant to regular consumption, particularly for children and those with cardiovascular concerns or on sodium-restricted diets.
Why does knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup score 1.5/10?
What the analysis notes: Very high sodium content per serving, unsuitable for regular consumption or those on sodium-restricted diets. High saturated fat content from palm oil and hydrogenated palm oil. Presence of Caramel IV (E150d) with its IARC 2B carcinogen classification (4-MEI).
Who should avoid knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Individuals concerned about carcinogens; Heart conditions; High blood pressure; Gout; Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Is knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains soy (Nature Identical Flavouring Substances (Soya Sauce)) and gluten (Refined wheat flour and Wheat gluten). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup contain soy?
Yes — the ingredient list names Nature Identical Flavouring Substances (Soya Sauce). People with soy allergy should treat it as containing soy, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup contain gluten?
Yes — the ingredient list names Refined wheat flour and Wheat gluten. People with gluten / wheat sensitivity (coeliac disease) should treat it as containing gluten, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
How much sugar is in knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup?
14.6 g of total sugar per 100 g. The label declares 13.6 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Is knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup high in salt?
Yes — 4,374 mg of sodium per 100 g (about 10.94 g of salt), above the 1.5 g of salt per 100 g that UK front-of-pack labelling marks as high.
Are the claims on the knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "with 100% Real Vegetables" — misleading. "International Hong Kong Manchow Noodle Soup" — can't be verified from the label.
Is knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup vegetarian?
knorr Hong Kong Manchow Soup is marked vegetarian.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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