Why is Firecracker Chicken Breast Mini Fillets classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is considered ultra‑processed because it combines a whole‑muscle chicken fillet with fortified wheat flour, breading, oils, numerous flavourings, colourings and raising agents, all of which are added during industrial processing; the label lists additives such as diphosphates (E450), sodium bicarbonate (E500ii), paprika extract (E160c), yeast extract, dextrose, sugar, and various flavouring and colour compounds.

How does the high sugar and moderate salt content of this product affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

Twelve grams of sugar per 100 g can raise blood glucose levels quickly, which may challenge diabetes management, while 0.93 g of salt per 100 g contributes to daily sodium intake and can increase blood pressure, so individuals with diabetes or hypertension should limit consumption and balance it with low‑sugar, low‑salt foods.

Is the gluten from wheat flour and breadcrumbs in this product a concern for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?

Yes, the ingredient list includes wheat flour, fortified wheat flour and breadcrumbs, all of which contain gluten; the product is therefore unsuitable for anyone requiring a gluten‑free diet.

Sainsbury's • 305g

Firecracker Chicken Breast Mini Fillets

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Firecracker Chicken Breast Mini Fillets are breaded chicken breast pieces sold by Sainsbury's, weighing 305 g per pack. The product falls into the meat category (pnns_groups: Fish Meat Eggs) and carries a Nutri‑Score of C and a NOVA rating of 4, indicating an ultra‑processed item. It provides 96 kcal, 7.9 g fat, 1.4 g saturated fat, 12 g sugars and 0.93 g salt per 100 g, offers 18.5 g protein and 1.3 g fibre, but contains added sugars, several food additives (E450, E500ii, E160c) and gluten from wheat ingredients.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal204 kcal

Fat7.9 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates14 g

Sugars1.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar breaded chicken products, this item contains far more sugar (12 g vs 2.15 g per 100 g) while its fat (7.9 g) and salt (0.93 g) are well below the typical 12.38 g and 3.21 g respectively.

Ingredients

British Chicken Breast Fillet (67%), Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Rapeseed Oil, Water, Breadcrumb (Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Yeast, Salt), Wheat Starch, Wheat Gluten, Salt, Tomato Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Yeast Extract Powder, Dextrose, Sugar, Cayenne Pepper, Raising Agents: Diphosphates, Sodium Bicarbonate; Chilli Powder, Chilli Flakes, Parsley, White Pepper, Smoked Salt, Sunflower Oil, Colour: Paprika Extract; Maltodextrin, Mushroom Concentrate, Chilli Extract, Flavouring, Black Pepper Extract, Ginger Extract.

84%

35%

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