Smith & Jones Ginger Garlic Paste — BULLSHIT

Name: Smith & Jones Ginger Garlic Paste
Brand: Smith and Jones

Munch or Dump rates Smith & Jones Ginger Garlic Paste by Smith and Jones BULLSHIT — score 0/90.

Sold as a 'fresh & natural' paste, but it's preserved with sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate plus a thickener and acidity regulators — the 'natural' story doesn't match the jar.

Why this verdict

Marketed 'fresh & natural / no preservatives' but contains sodium benzoate (E211) and potassium sorbate (E202)
Added thickener (xanthan gum, E415) and two acidity regulators — not the 'pure fresh paste' the label implies
Real ginger and garlic are the base, but the formula is shelf-stabilized, not fresh
Sodium benzoate can form trace benzene when combined with acids/citric acid — worth noting given the acidity regulators present

Ingredients (8)

Water (safe) — Used as a basic ingredient in bread.
ginger (safe) — Whole spice, digestive benefit.
GARLIC (safe) — Real aromatic. Whole food.
Iodised Salt (moderate) — Necessary for thyroid health, but overuse can contribute to hypertension.
Acidity regulators (E260 acetic acid, E330 citric acid) (moderate) — pH control to keep it shelf-stable; harmless alone but signals industrial processing, and citric acid plus benzoate is the combo that can trace-form benzene.
Thickener (E415 xanthan gum) (moderate) — Stabilizer that holds the paste together; not 'natural fresh paste' texture.
Preservative (E211 sodium benzoate) (concerning) — Synthetic preservative; can form benzene with vitamin C and is a common additive to limit.
Preservative E202 (potassium sorbate) (moderate) — Synthetic preservative to extend shelf life; generally recognized as safe but a marker of processed food.

Healthier alternatives

Bambind Ginger Garlic Paste