Why is Breaded Chicken Nuggets classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is considered ultra-processed because the chicken is coated with a fortified wheat-flour batter, includes rapeseed oil, added salt, calcium carbonate, niacin, iron and thiamin, and undergoes breading and cooking processes; no listed food-additive codes (E-numbers) are present, but the fortified ingredients function as additives.

How does the sugar and salt content in Breaded Chicken Nuggets affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The product contains only 0.9 g of sugars per 100 g, which is low and has minimal impact on blood glucose, but it provides 0.37 g of salt (moderate) that can add to sodium intake, so it should be eaten in moderation by people managing hypertension.

Is the wheat flour in Breaded Chicken Nuggets a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes; the fortified wheat flour supplies gluten, so the nuggets are not suitable for anyone who requires a gluten-free diet.

Sainsbury's

Breaded Chicken Nuggets

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Breaded Chicken Nuggets are a ready-to-eat chicken product sold by Sainsbury's, classified in the meat food group. Per 100 g they provide 167 kcal, 13.9 g fat (moderate), 2.2 g saturated fat (moderate), 0.9 g sugars (low), 0.37 g salt (moderate), 12.9 g protein (high) and 1.6 g fiber (above average), and they carry a Nutri-Score of B and a NOVA rating of 4, indicating ultra-processed status. While the product delivers good protein and fiber, its relatively high total fat, presence of gluten and overall ultra-processed nature make it less suitable for low-fat, gluten-free or clean-label diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal249 kcal

Fat13.9 g

Saturated Fat2.2 g

Carbohydrates17.3 g

Sugars0.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar products, this nugget contains less sugar, lower saturated fat and salt but slightly more total fat, markedly higher carbohydrates and less protein.

Ingredients

British Chicken (60%), Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin), Rapeseed Oil, Water, Pea Fibre, Yeast, Salt.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Breaded Chicken Nuggets.

Marks & Spencer