Why is black beans in water classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additive does it contain?

Canned beans undergo cooking, blanching, and sterilisation, and a firming agent – calcium chloride (E509) – is added to preserve texture, which places the product in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How do the sugar and salt levels in black beans in water affect diabetic or hypertensive diets?

With only 0.5 g of sugar and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g, the product is low in both nutrients, making it generally safe for people managing blood glucose or blood pressure, though portion control is still advisable.

Is black beans in water suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or keto diets?

The ingredients – black beans, water and calcium chloride – are plant‑based and contain no gluten, so the product is vegan and gluten‑free, but its 13.8 g of carbohydrates per 100 g makes it less compatible with strict keto eating plans.

Sainsbury's • 400g

black beans in water

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Black beans in water is a 400 g canned legume product from Sainsbury's, belonging to the Legumes family in the PNNS classification. It delivers low sugar (0.5 g), low salt (0.02 g), modest energy (106 kcal), low fat (0.8 g) and saturated fat (0.2 g) per 100 g, while providing high fiber (7.7 g) and protein (7.1 g). The product earns a Nutri‑Score of A and an EcoScore of A, but it is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and contains calcium chloride as a firming agent.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal106 kcal

Fat0.8 g

Saturated Fat0.2 g

Carbohydrates13.8 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average food values (4.09 g sugar, 15.16 g fat, 2.78 g saturated fat, 2.32 g salt, 262 kcal, 6.74 g fiber, 20.01 g carbs, 13.77 g protein per 100 g), black beans in water has dramatically lower sugar, fat, saturated fat and salt, offers comparable fiber, and provides less protein and calories.

Ingredients

black beans, water, firming agent: calcium chloride

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about black beans in water.

Freshona, Lidl

235g