Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of Tang and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks
Brand owned by Mondelez International (United States) · about the brand
Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 1.5 ShowHide
Reviewed 10 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This mango-flavored instant mix is primarily composed of sugar, making it a high-sugar product. It also contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen due to its 4-MEI by-product. While it includes vitamins and minerals, these do not offset the high sugar content and the presence of a concerning additive. Individuals monitoring sugar intake or those sensitive to food additives should exercise caution. The mango fruit powder is present in trace amounts, so a meaningful nutritional benefit from it is unlikely.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Vitamins
- Mineral including Sulphate
High in sugar; contains a possible carcinogen from caramel colour.
This instant mix is predominantly sugar, contributing to a high sugar intake. It also contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which has a by-product classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. While fortified with vitamins and minerals, these do not outweigh the primary concerns of high sugar and the presence of this additive. It is best consumed in moderation, especially by children.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Looking for a lower-sugar option — Added sugar is 94.2 g per 100 g.
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.
Infants under 1
AvoidContains added sugar, which is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitHigh added sugar content and the presence of artificial colours may not be suitable for regular consumption by young children.
Why the score is capped
Very high added sugar
Rule F-CAP-01
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
Contains Tartrazine (INS 102) and Sunset Yellow (INS 110), synthetic colours linked to hyperactivity in children; the EU requires a pack warning for each
Rule F-CAP-18 · Source: McCann et al., Lancet 2007; EFSA 2009; EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex V warning
Highly processed (NOVA) and high in sugar
Rule F-CAP-07
What's good
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Transparency regarding natural mango flavouring
Watch out for
Very high added sugar content
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), a possible carcinogen
Highly processed food (NOVA-4 classification likely)
Colours — includes ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which has a 4-MEI by-product classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen.
Sweetener — added sweetener — usually a high-intensity, calorie-free type such as acesulfame-K, sucralose or steviol glycosides (occasionally a bulk sugar-alcohol). Either way, some people prefer to limit or avoid these, so it is noted as a moderate, preference-level concern rather than a hazard. (A specific sweetener may carry its own caution — e.g. aspartame is contraindicated in phenylketonuria.).
Anticaking Agent — common food additive to prevent clumping.
Decode Label Analysis
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which has a 4-MEI by-product classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans).
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 ingredients list 'Flavour (Natural and Nature Identical Flavouring Substances)', which includes nature identical flavouring substances that are not artificial but are not purely natural.
The label does not provide information to verify the number of glasses the product makes.
The claim 'Refreshing & Tasty' is subjective and cannot be verified from the provided label information.
The product name itself states 'Instant Drink Mix', which is consistent with the product type.
The ingredients list 'Mango Fruit Powder' and 'Flavour (Natural and Nature Identical Flavouring Substances)' and 'Added mango flavour contains natural flavouring substances (Mango Flavour)', which supports the claim of added mango fruit powder and flavour.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
-
1.
Sugar
-
2.
Acidity RegulatorCitric acid (INS 330)Acidity Regulator (330)
-
3.
StabilizersXanthan gum (INS 415), Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (INS 466)Stabilizers (415, 466)
-
4.
Mango Fruit Powder 0.9% trace amountMango Fruit Powder (0.9%*)
-
5.
Flavour (Natural and Nature Identical Flavouring Substances) undisclosed flavouring
-
6.
Anticaking AgentCalcium phosphates (INS 341)Anticaking Agent (341 (iii))
-
7.
Vitamins
-
8.
Colours synthetic colourTitanium dioxide (INS 171), Sulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150D), Tartrazine (INS 102), Sunset yellow FCF (INS 110)Colours (171, 150d, 102, 110)
-
9.
SweetenerSucralose (INS 955)Sweetener (955)
-
10.
Mineral including SulphateMineral inc Sulphate
-
11.
Added mango flavour contains natural flavouring substances (Mango Flavour) undisclosed flavouring
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.
✓ 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 | 389 kcal |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 96.7 g |
| Total Sugars | 94.6 g |
| Added Sugars | 94.2 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 76 mg |
| Vitamin C | 264.7 mg |
| Zinc | 5.2 mg |
| Vitamin D | 13.5 µg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
Compare with other instant mix products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
Kitchens of India Chicken Darbari, ITC Ready to Eat Indian Food, Just Heat and Eat, Microwavable
9.3Kitchen of India
Kitchens of India Dal Makhani, Itc Ready to Eat Indian Food, Just Heat and Eat, Microwavable
8.9Kitchens of India
MTR RTE Masala Rice
8.6MTR
MTR Minute Meals Palak Paneer 300g
8.3MTR
MTR Ready to Eat Dal Fry
8.3MTR
Also on this shelf
More Instant Mix & Ready-to-Cook products we've analysed, in name order.
-
Simplify Simplify Foods Spinach & Broccoli Instant Soup
See the analysis
-
Simplify Simplify Lentil & Tomato Rasam Soup
See the analysis
-
Springburst Springburst Premium Aromatic Mix Seasoning Powder
See the analysis
-
![Tasty Nibbles Ready to Eat Chicken Stew 200g[Pack of 1]](/storage/products/a51617dc-f092-403d-8329-d0f8f17c6b6a.webp)
Tasty Nibbles Tasty Nibbles Ready to Eat Chicken Stew 200g[Pack of 1]
See the analysis
-
Wow! Wow! Hot & Spicy Korean Veg Ramen
See the analysis
-
Wow! Wow! Thukpa Chicken 60g
See the analysis
What are the ingredients in Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix?
The label of Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix lists 11 ingredients, in label order: Sugar, Acidity Regulator, Stabilizers, Mango Fruit Powder, Flavour (Natural and Nature Identical Flavouring Substances), Anticaking Agent, Vitamins, Colours, Sweetener, Mineral including Sulphate, Added mango flavour contains natural flavouring substances (Mango Flavour). Flagged by the analysis: Colours, Sweetener, Added mango flavour contains natural flavouring substances (Mango Flavour), Anticaking Agent.
Is Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix safe to eat?
Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix scores 1.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). This instant mix is predominantly sugar, contributing to a high sugar intake. It also contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), which has a by-product classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. While fortified with vitamins and minerals, these do not outweigh the primary concerns of high sugar and the presence of this additive. It is best consumed in moderation, especially by children.
Why does Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix score 1.5/10?
What the analysis notes: Very high added sugar content. Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d), a possible carcinogen. Highly processed food (NOVA-4 classification likely).
Who should avoid Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Individuals monitoring sugar intake; Children (due to high sugar and artificial colours); Sensitivity to food additives.
Is Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Is Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix high in sugar?
Yes — 94.6 g of total sugar per 100 g, above the 22.5 g per 100 g that UK front-of-pack labelling marks as high. The label declares 94.2 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Are the claims on the Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS" — misleading. "MAKES 29 GLASSES" — can't be verified from the label. "REFRESHING & TASTY" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix vegetarian?
Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix 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.
Reader reviews
How the product performed for people who used it — taste, value, everyday experience. Separate from the Decode Label score above, which rates what is on the label.
Sign in to leave a review.
Sign in →No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.
Help us keep this accurate
Two quick questions about our analysis — not about the product.
Was this analysis helpful?
Tells us whether the breakdown above actually answered your question.
0 of 0 readers found this analysis helpful
Does your pack match this page?
Recipes change and packs get reformulated. If the ingredients or the panel on the pack in your hand differ from what we show, tell us and we will check it.
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.
Report Error
If you believe this score is inaccurate, provide details below. Our team reviews every report and will update the rating if warranted.
Report submitted
Our team will review your report and update the rating if the evidence warrants it. Thank you for helping keep our data accurate.
Share this product
Tang Mango Instant Drink Mix
Link copied — paste it in your Instagram bio or Story!