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Jabsons

Alu Lachha Original

Name: Alu Lachha Original
Brand: Jabsons

Use in moderation Not on SafeShelf

NOVA 4no added sugartrans fat presentcontains TBHQultra-processedno artificial colourslactose-freegluten-freediabetic-safenut-freepregnancy-safeenjoy in moderation

Serving

30 g

Pack

—

Ingredients

Barcode

8 97138490 2124 61909

Buy on Amazon

01 — Ingredient mix

What’s in the box, ranked from most concerning.

Each ingredient gets a tier from our researched dossier. The list sorts worst-first; the donut summarises the distribution. Tap any ingredient for its full dossier.

Caution · 4 ingredients shown

Caution4 of 12 ingredients

Edible Vegetable Oil (Palmolein Oil & Rice Bran Oil)Caution

Rock Salt (Andhra Namak)Caution

Black SaltCaution

Antioxidant (NS 319)Caution

Cleared 8▾

PotatoCleared

Iodized SaltCleared

Degermed Garlic PowderCleared

Degermed Ginger PowderCleared

Black Pepper PowderCleared

Chaat MasalaCleared

Turmeric PowderE100Cleared

Acidity Regulator (INS 330)Cleared

02 — Claims audit

Every label claim, fact-checked.

We treat each claim as a question — does what’s inside back it up? Tap a claim for the reasoning.

2/6

claims fully supported

“Rich in Traditions”unverified

A subjective heritage marketing statement with no measurable or verifiable nutritional or regulatory basis in the available data.

“Lightly Salted Indian Traditional Potato Sticks”misleading

Sodium is 270 mg per 100 g (81 mg per 30 g serving, ~12% DV per label), which is relatively moderate for a fried snack; however, sodium comes from at least four sources (rock salt, iodized salt, black salt, chaat masala), and the cumulative effect across a typical serving is non-trivial. 'Lightly salted' is not a regulated term under FSSAI, making independent verification of the qualifier difficult, though the absolute sodium level is not exceptionally high for the category.

“Made with Rock Salt (Sendha Namak)”true

Rock salt (Andhra Namak) is listed as the third ingredient at 3%; the claim is substantiated.

“No Added Colours”true

No synthetic artificial colour (E-number dye) is present in the ingredient list. Turmeric powder appears as a spice/natural colourant (INS 100 equivalent), which is a whole-food ingredient; this does not contradict a 'no added colours' claim in common usage.

“No Added Preservatives”misleading

INS 319 (TBHQ — tertiary butylhydroquinone) is listed as an 'Antioxidant' on the label, but TBHQ is a synthetic phenolic compound added specifically to prevent oxidative rancidity in fats and oils, functioning as a preservative-antioxidant. FSSAI classifies it under antioxidants, not preservatives; however, its functional role is shelf-life extension of fats, which directly parallels preservative action. The claim exploits a regulatory label category distinction while the consumer-facing intent of preservation is clearly served.

“Gluten Free”misleading

No gluten-containing ingredient (wheat, barley, rye, oats) appears in the formulation. However, the label itself states the product is 'processed in a plant that also processes cereals… and wheat', creating a documented cross-contamination risk. Without a certified gluten-free test result or dedicated allergen-controlled facility, this claim cannot be fully substantiated.

03 — The fuller picture

Read the whole thing if a one-line verdict isn’t enough.

What’s in favour, and what’s working against it

In favour

Zero added sugar — nutrition panel confirms 0 g sugar
No artificial colours — turmeric provides natural yellow hue
Uses natural spice blend: garlic, ginger, black pepper, turmeric
Contains dietary fibre (2 g per 100 g)
Made with rock salt (Sendha Namak) as primary seasoning

Working against

Contains TBHQ (INS 319), a synthetic antioxidant with ADI concerns for children
Declared trans fat of 1 g per 100 g — no safe level established by WHO
Palmolein oil contributes process contaminants GE and 3-MCPD (EFSA concern)
Multiple sodium sources (rock salt, iodized salt, black salt, chaat masala) — 270 mg sodium per 100 g
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) due to industrial additives INS 319 and INS 330
Cross-contamination risk for wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, mustard, and soy

Who should approach with care

Infants — Multiple ingredients are unsuitable for infants: black salt and chaat masala impose sodium loads exceeding infant kidney capacity, EFSA flagged GE from palmolein as up to 10× above the health-concern threshold for infants, and spices including black pepper and chaat masala are inappropriate for infant digestive systems.

Children — EFSA's exposure data show that children aged 3–9 years can approach or exceed the TBHQ ADI (0.7 mg/kg bw/day) at 95th-percentile intake under maximum-level scenarios; palmolein process contaminants (GE, 3-MCPD) also raise proportionally higher exposure concerns in younger age groups.

Pregnancy — Multiple ingredients warrant caution: palmolein process contaminants (GE, 3-MCPD) are of regulatory concern for vulnerable populations; excess sodium from four salt sources may exacerbate gestational oedema and hypertension risk; and chaat masala contains asafoetida, historically cautioned at large doses during pregnancy.

Hypertension — Sodium from rock salt, iodized salt, black salt, and chaat masala cumulatively delivers 270 mg/100 g; excess sodium directly and continuously raises blood pressure per WHO and EFSA NDA Panel assessments, making this snack inadvisable for hypertensive individuals.

Kidney Disease — Impaired kidneys cannot efficiently excrete sodium or potassium; the multi-salt formulation (rock salt, black salt, iodized salt, chaat masala) poses significant risk of fluid retention, hyperkalaemia from potato's potassium content, and electrolyte imbalance.

Heart Disease — The combination of 1 g trans fat per 100 g, high saturated palmolein oil, and 270 mg sodium per 100 g from multiple salt sources poses compounded risk of raised LDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and increased cardiac workload in individuals with heart disease.

Elderly — Renal sodium excretion capacity declines with age, making the elderly disproportionately susceptible to hypertension from the multi-salt sodium load in this product, as noted by FDA guidance on sodium risk.

Diabetes — Fried potato products have a high glycaemic index and can cause rapid post-prandial blood glucose elevation; individuals with diabetes should limit portion sizes and account for the fat and carbohydrate load (14 g carbs per 100 g, 12 g fat per 100 g).

Thyroid Disease — Iodized salt contributes supplemental iodine; both excess and insufficient iodine can worsen thyroid dysfunction in individuals with hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and physician guidance on iodine intake is recommended.

Ibs — High fat content from fried preparation, garlic powder (high-FODMAP fructans), and chaat masala (asafoetida) are recognised IBS triggers that may exacerbate gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping in FODMAP-sensitive individuals.

Ibd — Black salt sulfide compounds, chaat masala spices, and black pepper's piperine can irritate gastrointestinal mucosa during active IBD flares; manufactured citric acid (INS 330) has also been flagged in case literature for potential inflammatory cascade effects.

Liver Disease — TBHQ (INS 319) is documented to deplete hepatic glutathione and generate reactive metabolites, imposing additional burden on compromised liver function; high-dose ginger and curcumin interactions with hepatic CYP enzymes are also flagged in the ingredient dossiers.

Sulfite Sensitivity — Some commercial chaat masala formulations may incorporate dried amchur or other dried ingredients processed with sulfite preservatives; sensitive individuals should seek confirmation from the manufacturer.

The full analysis

Alu Lachha Original is a popular take on the classic Indian potato-stick namkeen, bought for its crunchy texture and spiced flavour. On the positive side it carries zero added sugar and uses a blend of rock salt and natural spices without artificial colours. However, several flags deserve attention: the presence of TBHQ (INS 319), a synthetic antioxidant whose safety margin narrows for children at high exposure levels, technically contradicts the 'No Added Preservatives' claim given TBHQ's preservative-antioxidant function; palmolein oil contributes process contaminants (GE, 3-MCPD) of regulatory concern for infants and children; and the product declares 1 g trans fat per 100 g — an amount meaningful at snacking portions — making this a product to consume only occasionally, especially by children, pregnant women, and those with cardiovascular or kidney conditions.

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Analysis

Independently researched