Why is Spaghetti Bolognese classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is a ready‑to‑heat meal that combines pre‑cooked pasta, minced beef, sauce and seasoning, all of which undergo extensive industrial processing, placing it in the NOVA 4 category; the label lists no added food additives, so the ultra‑processed classification derives from the degree of processing rather than added additives.

How does the sugar and salt content in this Spaghetti Bolognese affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1.6 g of sugars per 100 g, the meal is low‑sugar and suitable for diabetes management, but its 0.42 g of salt per 100 g contributes to sodium intake and should be limited for hypertensive individuals, especially when combined with other salty foods.

Is the celery present in this product a concern for people with a celery allergy?

Yes, celery is declared as an allergen in the ingredient list, so anyone with a confirmed celery allergy should avoid this Spaghetti Bolognese.

M&S Food • 400g

Spaghetti bolognese

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Spaghetti Bolognese is a ready‑to‑heat, one‑dish meal classified in the Composite foods and One‑dish meals categories. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and falls into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group; per 100 g it provides 156 kcal, 6.6 g fat (2.3 g saturated), 0.42 g salt, 1.6 g sugars and 6.9 g protein. Compared with typical meals its calories, sugar and salt are below the category average, while its fat and saturated fat are modestly higher, and it contains celery and gluten allergens.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal156 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average prepared meal (174.6 kcal, 5.9 g fat, 1.9 g saturated fat, 3.6 g salt, 3.6 g sugars per 100 g), this Spaghetti Bolognese is lower in calories, sugar and salt but slightly higher in total and saturated fat.

Ingredients

Cooked Pasta (39%) (Durum Wheat • • Semolina Water) Minced Beef (27%) Tomatoes (11%). Water Onions Tomato Paste Carrots Red Wine Vinegar Cornflour Salt Garlic Purée Beef Stock (Water Beef · Bones Onions Tomato Purée Carrots Leeks Garlic. Parsley Dried Herbs (Bay Leaves Rosemary Thyme)) Oregano Yeast Extract Coarse Black Pepper Rosemary.

84%

35%

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