Why is Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and does it contain any additives?

The meal is assigned to NOVA group 3 because it combines multiple prepared ingredients such as cooked beef, beef stock, cream and sauce that are blended and packaged for microwave heating; the ingredient list shows no added preservatives, colourings or flavour enhancers, so the product contains zero declared additives.

How might the sugar and salt levels in this Stroganoff affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1.6 g of sugar per 100 g, the meal contributes minimally to daily carbohydrate limits for diabetes, but the 0.43 g of salt, while lower than the average ready‑meal, still adds to total sodium intake and should be considered by anyone managing hypertension.

Is this Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff suitable for specific dietary regimes such as vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free?

The product is not vegan because it contains dairy (single cream, crème fraîche) and beef; it is not ideal for a strict keto diet due to 15.8 g of carbohydrates per 100 g; the inclusion of brandy and white wine makes it unsuitable for halal observant consumers, while no gluten‑containing grains are listed, so it is likely gluten‑free but cross‑contamination cannot be ruled out.

M&S • 380g

Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff is a ready‑to‑heat, composite one‑dish meal containing beef, mushrooms, rice and cream, marketed by M&S. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and falls in NOVA group 3, offering relatively low sugar (1.6 g), low saturated fat (1.1 g) and modest salt (0.43 g) per 100 g, though its protein (6.9 g) and fibre (1.4 g) are slightly below the average for similar meals. The product includes dairy‑derived ingredients (single cream, crème fraîche) and mustard, which are declared allergens, and it is a processed convenience food, so it should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal118 kcal

Fat2.7 g

Saturated Fat1.1 g

Carbohydrates15.8 g

Sugars1.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal, this Stroganoff contains markedly less sugar (1.6 g vs 3.57 g), fat (2.7 g vs 5.94 g), saturated fat (1.1 g vs 1.94 g), salt (0.43 g vs 3.55 g) and calories (118 kcal vs 174.6 kcal), while its protein and fibre are slightly lower than typical.

Ingredients

Cooked Rice (34%) (Water, Brown Long Grain Rice, Wild Rice), Cooked Beef (18%), Water, Onions (9%), Spinach, Mushrooms (6%), Single Cream (Milk) (3.5%), Shallots, Beef Stock (Water, Beef Bones, Onions, Tomato Purée, Carrots, Leeks, Garlic, Parsley, Dried Rosemary, Ground Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme), Crème Fraîche (Milk), Brandy (1%), Cornflour, White Wine, Tomato Paste, Rapeseed Oil, Salt, Lemon Juice, Garlic Purée, Sugar, Ground Spices (Paprika, Black Pepper, Allspice, Turmeric), Dried Mustard, Vinegar, Paprika Flakes, Mustard Husk.

84%

35%

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