Why is vegetable pizza classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The pizza is made from refined wheat flour, processed cheese, vegetable blends, and several formulated ingredients such as palm oil, citric acid (E330), flavourings and a cheese powder, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods, placing it in NOVA group 4.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this pizza affect diabetic or hypertensive diets?

With 3.4 g of sugar per 100 g, the product is lower than many pizzas but still adds carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose, while 0.9 g of salt per 100 g is moderate and may contribute to hypertension if consumed frequently; therefore, it should be eaten in moderation by people managing diabetes or high blood pressure.

Is the mozzarella cheese in this pizza a concern for people with a milk allergy?

Yes, the mozzarella cheese is made from cow's milk, which is a listed allergen, so the pizza is not suitable for individuals with a milk allergy.

Sainsburys • 390g

vegetable pizza

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Sainsbury's vegetable pizza is a ready-made frozen meal classified as a composite food belonging to the pizza pies and quiches group. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and is placed in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature with ingredients such as palm oil, citric acid (E330) and a cheese powder that introduce added sugars and non-vegan components. Nutritionally, the pizza offers moderate protein (8 g), higher fiber (2 g) and low sugar (3.4 g) per 100 g, but its salt (0.9 g) and fat (6.9 g) levels are still notable, and it contains gluten and milk allergens.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal217 kcal

Fat6.9 g

Saturated Fat2.2 g

Monounsaturated Fat2.8 g

Polyunsaturated Fat1.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for vegetable pizzas, this product contains less fat, sugar and salt per 100 g, but also provides lower protein while delivering slightly more carbohydrates.

Ingredients

Wheat Flour, Water, Mozzarella Cheese (13%) (Cows' Milk), Vegetable Mix (9.5%) (Red Peppers, Yellow Peppers, Red Onions), Courgettes (7%), Tomato Paste, Basil Oil (3%) (Rapeseed Oil, Basil, Palm Oil, Basil Infused Rapeseed Oil (Rapeseed Oil, Basil), Acidified Garlic Purée (Garlic, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid), Salt, Black Pepper), Spinach (3%), Rapeseed Oil, Sundried Tomato Purée (Water, Rapeseed Oil, Sundried Tomato, White Wine Vinegar, Tomato Paste, Sugar, Salt, Garlic Purée, Basil, Rosemary, Black Pepper), Yeast, Salt, Cornflour, Sugar, Basil, Garlic Powder, Garlic Purée, Yeast Extract, Black Pepper, Tomato Powder, Marjoram, Oregano, Thyme, Cheese Powder (Cows' Milk), Flavouring, Acid: Citric Acid.

84%

35%

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