Why is Sweet Potato Fries classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The fries are made from a base of pre‑cooked sweet potato pieces that are coated, partially fried and then frozen, which matches the definition of ultra‑processed foods under NOVA 4. The formulation includes wheat flour, cornflour and a small amount of paprika extract (E160c) as the only listed additive.

How does the high sugar and moderate salt content in Sweet Potato Fries affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The 13.3 g of sugars per 100 g can cause a rapid increase in blood glucose, making the product unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while the 0.58 g of salt is well below typical hypertensive limits, so it poses less of a risk for blood‑pressure management.

Based on the ingredients, is Sweet Potato Fries suitable for strict diets like vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free?

The product is vegan and contains no animal‑derived ingredients, so it fits a vegan diet and is likely halal. It is not gluten‑free because of wheat flour, and its carbohydrate level (23.1 g per 100 g) is too high for a keto regimen.

M&S FOOD • 300 g

SWEET POTATO FRIES

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Sweet Potato Fries are a frozen side from Marks & Spencer made mainly of sweet potatoes, sunflower oil, wheat flour, cornflour and seasonings. They belong to the Cereals and potatoes PNNS group, carry a Nutri‑Score of C, and are classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) with comparatively high sugars (13.3 g) and moderate salt (0.58 g) per 100 g. The product offers 3.9 g of fibre and modest fat, is vegan, but the inclusion of wheat flour introduces gluten, and the high sugar content limits its overall healthfulness.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal163 kcal

Fat6.4 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates23.1 g

Sugars13.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average frozen‑fried potato product, this sweet potato fry contains dramatically more sugar (13.3 g vs 2.12 g per 100 g) and similar fat, but half the saturated fat and substantially less salt.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes (89%) · Sunflower Oil · Wheatflour (contains Gluten) (with Wheatflour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Cornflour · Salt · Dried Garlic · Dried Onions · Ground Paprika · Ground Black Pepper, Paprika Extract. For allergens see ingredients in bold. Suitable for vegetarians

84%

35%

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