Torti Surimi (Pasta Salad with Surimi) — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Torti Surimi (Pasta Salad with Surimi) by Menu Fraîcheur DUMP — score 17/90.

A brand literally named 'Freshness Menu' selling a ~20-ingredient pasta salad with two phosphate stabilizers, a preservative, and caramel coloring. The star ingredient, surimi, is only 15% of the tub — and surimi is itself fish paste padded with starch, soy oil, and sugar. This is a deli counter costume on a factory product.

Why this verdict

• Roughly 20 ingredients — past the >18 threshold that marks an industrial formulation, not a salad
• Stacked industrial phosphate salts (E450 + E451) — cardiovascular/kidney concern at regular intake
• The headline 'surimi' is just 15% of the product, and is itself a composite of fish flesh, two starches, soy oil, and sugar
• Caramel coloring plus paprika extract paint the food; potassium sorbate (E202) preserves it; xanthan gum and modified potato starch texture it
• Two sweetener sources (sugar + glucose syrup) in something sold as a savory lunch salad

Ingredients (20)

• Cooked pasta (durum wheat semolina) (moderate) — Refined wheat is the bulk of the product; fast carbs with little fiber or nutrition.
• Water (safe) — Used as a basic ingredient in bread.
• Surimi (fish flesh, starch, modified starch, soy oil, sugar) (moderate) — Reconstituted minced fish paste padded with starches, oil and sugar; far from whole seafood.
• Stabilizers E450 / E451 (phosphates) (moderate) — Phosphate additives that bind water; high phosphate intake is a concern for kidney and heart health.
• rapeseed oil (safe) — A source of healthy fats and often used in cooking.
• Soy oil (in surimi) (moderate) — Refined seed oil high in omega-6; processed fat with little upside.
• red pepper (safe) — Whole spice for flavor.
• lemon juice from concentrate (safe) — Acidity and brightness from real lemon; harmless.
• Alcohol vinegar (safe) — Standard acidity and preservation, harmless.
• MODIFIED POTATO STARCH (moderate) — A second modified starch in the batter coating.
• Whisky / sherry vinegar (safe) — Trace flavoring; negligible.
• mustard (safe) — Real condiment sub-recipe (vinegar, mustard seed, turmeric, paprika). One of the cleaner lines on the label.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
• Sugar / glucose syrup (moderate) — Added sweeteners appearing in both surimi and dressing; needless in a savory salad.
• egg yolk powder (safe) — Dried egg for richness/binding — a recognizable ingredient.
• Preservative E202 (potassium sorbate) (moderate) — Synthetic preservative to extend shelf life; generally recognized as safe but a marker of processed food.
• Xanthan Gum (moderate) — Industrial thickener.
• Caramel coloring (moderate) — Cosmetic color to fake a richer look; no reason in real food.
• Paprika extract (colorant) (safe) — Natural color used cosmetically; harmless but unnecessary.
• Dehydrated shallot / chives / pepper / beetroot powder (safe) — Dried seasonings for flavor and color; minor and benign.