Why is Southern Fried Chicken Tenders classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product undergoes multiple processing steps such as grinding, mixing, coating, and frying, which place it in NOVA group 4. Its ingredient list includes the raising agent E450 (sodium carbonate), sodium bicarbonate, and various mineral fortifiers, all of which are typical additives found in ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in Southern Fried Chicken Tenders affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 1.6 g of sugars per 100 g, the tenders are low in sugar and therefore have limited impact on blood glucose levels, but the 0.82 g of salt per 100 g is moderate and should be counted toward daily sodium limits, especially for people managing hypertension.

Based on its ingredients, is Southern Fried Chicken Tenders suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The product is not vegan because it contains chicken meat and animal‑derived ingredients. It is not gluten‑free due to wheat flour and wheat gluten in the coating. The carbohydrate content (13.8 g per 100 g) is relatively high, making it unsuitable for strict keto diets. Halal status is not indicated, so consumers requiring halal certification should verify with the retailer.

M&S Food • 300 g

Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Meats And Their Products

Product Insights

Southern Fried Chicken Tenders are a breaded chicken product from M&S Food, made primarily of chicken breast (68%) with a wheat‑based coating, vegetable flours and assorted spices. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of A but falls into NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed item that includes the raising agent E450 and gluten‑containing ingredients. Nutritionally it provides high protein (16.4 g per 100 g) and low sugars, yet its fat (9.8 g), saturated fat (0.73 g) and salt (0.82 g) are moderate, and the presence of gluten makes it unsuitable for gluten‑intolerant consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal213 kcal

Fat9.8 g

Saturated Fat0.7 g

Carbohydrates13.8 g

Sugars1.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for breaded meat products, these chicken tenders contain substantially less fat, saturated fat, salt and sugars while providing more fiber and carbohydrates, and their protein content is slightly below the category mean.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast (68%) Wheatflour contains Cluten (with Wheatflour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin) Rapeseed Oil Water Wheat Starch (contains Gluten) Rice Flour Broad Bean Flour Maize Flour Salt Wheat Gluten Ground Spices (Fennel Black Pepper White Pepper Paprika). Raising Agent: E450, Sodium Bicarbonate Cracked Black Pepper Yeast Extract Wheat Protein (contains Gluten) Dextrose Yeast Dried Thyme Sunflower Oil Spice Extract Black Pepper Extract Thyme Extract

84%

35%

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