Why is Vegetable Fried Rice classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labeled NOVA 4 because its ingredients are largely industrially formulated, including refined oils, sauces and seasonings, and it contains three listed additives: dextrin (E1400) as a thickener, lactic acid (E270) as an acidity regulator, and xanthan gum (E415) as a stabiliser.

How does the salt and carbohydrate content in Vegetable Fried Rice affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 0.8 g of salt and 28.3 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, the meal provides moderate sodium that may be acceptable for most people but could be limiting for strict hypertension diets, while the high carbohydrate load can raise blood glucose levels, requiring portion control for diabetic individuals.

Is the soy in Vegetable Fried Rice a concern for people with soy allergy or for sustainability?

Soybeans are present in the edamame and soy sauce, making the product unsuitable for anyone allergic to soy; however, soy is a plant‑based protein with a relatively low environmental footprint, so it aligns with sustainability goals for vegan consumers.

Trader Joe's • 16 oz

Vegetable Fried Rice

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Vegetable Fried Rice is a ready-to-eat, plant-based meal classified under the Composite foods (One-dish meals) group. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and falls in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra-processed product containing additives such as dextrin (E1400), lactic acid (E270) and xanthan gum (E415). Nutritionally it provides moderate protein (3.8 g/100 g) and fiber (1.9 g/100 g) with low fat and sugar, but its salt level is moderate (0.8 g/100 g) and it includes common allergens like soy, wheat and sesame.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal153 kcal

Iron0.9 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical ready‑meal averages, this fried rice is lower in fat, saturated fat, sugar, salt and calories, but higher in carbohydrates and contains less protein and fiber.

Ingredients

COOKED RICE (RICE, WATER), CARROTS, EDAMAME (SOYBEANS), CORN, GREEN PEAS, LEEKS, RED BELL PEPPERS, SOY SAUCE (WATER, SOYBEANS, WHEAT. SALT), SWEET COOKING RICE WINE (WATER, MIRIN [WATER, RICE, ALCOHOL, SALI, KUI (ASPERGILLUS ORYZAE}], SUGAR, LACTIC ACID). CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF CANOLA OIL, SUGAR, ONIONS, SEAWEED EXTRACT (WATER, KELP EXTRACT, DEXTRIN, ALCOHOL, SALT, XANTHAN GUM), SALT, SESAME OIL.

84%

35%

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