Why is Vegetable quarter pounders classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is rated NOVA 4 because it combines refined wheat flour, fortified nutrients, rapeseed oil and other industrially processed components; it lists no separate additives, but the formulation itself involves multiple processing steps that meet the ultra‑processed criteria.

How does the high salt content in this product affect a hypertensive diet?

With 4.6 g of salt per 100 g, the burger far exceeds recommended daily sodium limits, which can raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk for people managing hypertension.

Is the wheat gluten in Vegetable quarter pounders a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, the product contains wheat flour, rye flour and wheat gluten, all of which contain gluten, so it is unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Sainsburys

Vegetable quarter pounders

Meat Alternatives

Product Insights

Vegetable quarter pounders are a plant‑based hamburger offered by Sainsbury’s, positioned in the vegetarian‑hamburger segment. They belong to the vegetarian alternatives dietary family, carry a Nutri‑Score of E and are classified as NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product. Nutritionally, they provide moderate fat (7.1 g), low saturated fat (0.5 g) and decent fiber (3.5 g), but they are high in salt (4.6 g) and sugars (4.3 g), with protein and overall calorie levels below the average for similar meat‑alternative products.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal207 kcal

Fat7.1 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates28.7 g

Sugars4.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average vegetarian hamburger (fat 8.2 g, sugars 1.8 g, salt 0.95 g, protein 10.7 g per 100 g), this product has lower fat and saturated fat, but markedly higher salt, sugars and carbohydrates while delivering less protein and slightly more calories.

Ingredients

Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Carrot (12%). Sweetcorn (11%), Peas (11%), Onion (7%), Red Pepper (7%). Dried Potato, Rapeseed Oil, Green Beans (5.0%), Cauliflower (3.0%), Salt, Wheat Gluten, Rye Flour, Caster Sugar, Yeast, Pea ent Fibre, Onion Powder, White Pepper

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.