Split
The list is cut at commas, semicolons, colons and brackets. Percentages, allergy advice and “contains” lines are left out, and an ingredient with a bracket group counts once.
Compare two labels.See which is simpler.
Additives, sugar names and a plain-English verdict side by side
Add names or nutrition per 100g (optional)
| Per 100g | Label A | Label B |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | ||
| Fat (g) | ||
| Saturates (g) | ||
| Carbohydrate (g) | ||
| Sugars (g) | ||
| Fibre (g) | ||
| Protein (g) | ||
| Salt (g) |
Use the per 100g column of each label, in kcal and grams. Salt, not sodium. Leave a row empty to skip it.
Free and instant. Lists are read in your browser and not stored.
Ingredient Decoder: label comparison
Your comparison
Side by side
| Count | Label A | Label B |
|---|
Additive families
Families spotted in each list, with the matching ingredients.
Sugar names
Every sugar, syrup or sweetener that counts as sugar on the label.
| Label A | Label B |
|---|
Your labels, highlighted
Numbers match the families below.
Label A
Label B
Nutrition per 100g
| Per 100g | Label A | Label B |
|---|
Keep your comparison
A picture of this comparison and a link that opens it again, ready to send to a friend or keep for your next shop.
Take it to the shop: the free fridge-door label checklist
One page with NOVA groups in plain words, eight giveaway ingredient groups to tick, and simple swap lines.
Instant download. Details used only to reply and send what was asked for, privacy-friendly analytics, email [email protected] to access or delete.
How the comparison reads two labels
Each list is read the same way, so the two columns can be set side by side fairly.
Match
Each ingredient is compared with common additive names and E-number ranges, the same eleven families the additive scanner uses.
Count
Processing signals are sweeteners, emulsifiers, thickeners, colours, flavours, reworked ingredients and industrial sugars such as glucose syrup. Additives are matches to any of the ten additive families. Sugar names are listed on their own.
Compare
The label with fewer processing signals reads simpler. If those tie, fewer additives decides, then a shorter list. A gap of one ingredient alone is called equal.
Compare my labels
Paste two lists and see the verdict in a second.
Nutrition per 100g, side by side
Serving sizes differ from one pack to the next, so a per serving column can mislead when you compare two products. The per 100g column puts both on the same footing. Enter those values under the optional fields and the comparison lists what is lower in each product and shows the UK front-of-pack band for fat, saturates, sugars and salt.
Frequently asked questions
What does “simpler” mean here?
Simpler means fewer processing signals first, then fewer additives, then a shorter ingredient list. It describes the ingredient list as written, not the food as a whole.
Does a simpler list mean a healthier food?
Not by itself. The comparison reads ingredient lists only. It does not measure portion size or how a food fits your diet, so add the per 100g values to see energy, fat, sugars and salt side by side.
Are the lists I paste saved or sent anywhere?
No. Both lists are read in your browser. A share link carries them inside the link after the # sign, which a browser does not send to the site when it opens the page. Anyone you send the link to can read the lists inside it.
How does the share link work?
After a comparison, copy the link under the card. Opening it fills in the same lists, names and values and shows the same comparison.
Can I compare nutrition only?
Yes. Leave both ingredient lists empty, open the optional fields and enter the per 100g values for both labels.
Why are bands shown for only some nutrients?
The UK front-of-pack scheme sets low and high levels per 100g for fat, saturates, sugars and salt, so the comparison shows a band for those four.
Why was an ingredient not highlighted?
The comparison matches common additive names and E-number ranges. Whole foods, spices and less common ingredients stay unmarked, so an unmarked item is simply not on the list of additive names.