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

The product combines multiple processed ingredients such as refined flours, soy sauce, and added sugars, and it includes three food additives, lactic acid (E270), citric acid (E330), and xanthan gum (E415), which places it in NOVA group 4, the category for ultra‑processed foods.

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

With 5.8 g of sugar per 100 g, the dumplings can raise blood glucose levels and may not be ideal for strict diabetic control, while 0.84 g of salt per 100 g is moderate; it contributes to sodium intake but is lower than the average for similar meals, making it a cautious choice for hypertension if consumed in moderation.

Based on its ingredients, is Chicken Shu Mai suitable for gluten‑free, vegan, or keto diets?

Chicken Shu Mai contains wheat flour, wheat gluten and soy sauce, so it is not gluten‑free; it includes chicken, soy, and dairy‑derived nutrients, making it unsuitable for vegan diets; and with 15 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, it exceeds typical keto limits, though its protein and fat levels are moderate.

Trader Joe's • 11 oz

Chicken Shu Mai

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Chicken Shu Mai is a ready‑to‑eat, composite food (PNNS group "Composite foods") sold by Trader Joe's as a 311 g package of steamed dumplings. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and falls into NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with three additives (lactic acid, citric acid, xanthan gum). Nutritionally, the product is relatively low in fat, saturated fat and calories while providing a high protein content, but it contains more sugar than the average meal‑type product and offers limited dietary fiber.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal150 kcal

Energy630 kJ

Fat6.2 g

Saturated Fat1.6 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar meals, Chicken Shu Mai has less fat (2.9 g vs 5.9 g), fewer calories (125 kcal vs 174 kcal) and lower salt (0.84 g vs 3.55 g), but its sugar content is higher (5.8 g vs 3.6 g) and dietary fiber is lower (0.96 g vs 2.08 g).

Ingredients

chicken, onions, carrots, green onions, whole wheat flour, sugar, sesame oil, salt, garlic, ginger, white pepper, unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, wheat gluten, soy sauce (water, soybeans, salt, sugar, alcohol, vinegar, lactic acid), sugar, water, rice vinegar, lactic acid, citric acid, xanthan gum, natural flavor of capsicum

84%

35%

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