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

The product is labelled NOVA 4 because it includes processed ingredients such as cooked pasta, cheese, cured meat and a range of additives. The additives listed are sodium nitrite (E250) and potassium nitrate (E252) used as preservatives in the pancetta, sodium ascorbate (E301) as an antioxidant, and lysozyme (E1105) used as a preservative in Grana Padano cheese.

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

With 2.3 g of sugar and 0.54 g of salt per 100 g, the sugar level is low and unlikely to cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, while the salt amount is moderate and well below the average for similar meals, making it a reasonable choice for people managing diabetes or hypertension, provided overall daily intake is monitored.

Is the egg present in this Lasagne a concern for people with egg allergies?

Yes, egg is included in the cooked lasagne pasta (approximately 3.7 % of the product) and is highlighted in the allergen information, so individuals with egg allergy should avoid this product.

Sainsburys • 400g

Lasagne

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Sainsbury's Lasagne is a ready‑made one‑dish meal falling under the Composite foods and One‑dish meals categories. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that contains several additives such as sodium nitrite (E250), potassium nitrate (E252), sodium ascorbate (E301) and lysozyme (E1105). Nutritionally, it provides moderate fat (6.5 g) and saturated fat (2.9 g) per 100 g, low sugar (2.3 g) and salt (0.54 g), but a relatively high protein content (10.1 g), while also containing allergens like egg, milk and gluten.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars-0.2 g

Fruits & Vegetables24.6 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average prepared lasagne, this product has lower sugar, salt and calorie levels but slightly higher total and saturated fat, while delivering more protein per 100 g.

Ingredients

British Beef (28%), Cooked Lasagne Pasta (Durum Wheat Semolina, Water, Egg), Water, Skimmed Cows' Milk, Tomato, Tomato Purée, Chianti Red Wine (4%), Tomato Passata, Onion, Mushroom, Whole Cows' Milk, Carrot, Smoked Pancetta Bacon (2%) (Pork Belly, Salt, Dextrose, Black Pepper, Garlic Extract, Coriander Extract, Nutmeg Extract, Preservatives: Sodium Nitrite, Potassium Nitrate; Antioxidant: Sodium Ascorbate), Cornflour, Parmigiano Reggiano D.O.P Cheese (2%) (Unpasteurised Cows' Milk), Single Cream (Cows' Milk), Garlic Purée, Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Beef Stock (Water, Beef Extract, Salt, Yeast Extract), Butter (Cows' Milk), Wheat Flour, Sugar, Balsamic Vinegar (Balsamic Vinegar, Grape Must Concentrate), Grana Padano Cheese (Unpasteurised Cows' Milk, Preservative: Lysozyme (Egg)), Salt, Oregano, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Porcini Mushroom Powder, White Pepper, Bay Leaf.

84%

35%

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