Why is Chunky Chicken Chorizo & Rice Soup classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The soup combines multiple processed components such as a roast chicken stock concentrate, pre‑cooked chorizo sausage and refined rice, and it includes food additives like sodium nitrite (E250) and potassium nitrate (E252) for preservation, plus antioxidant E301 to protect colour and flavour, which together place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

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

The soup contains very low sugar (1 g per 100 g), which is suitable for diabetic management, but it is an ultra‑processed meat‑based meal that typically contains added salt; while exact sodium isn’t listed, the presence of curing salt and flavour enhancers suggests a moderate to high salt level that could challenge a hypertensive diet.

Is the pork chorizo in this soup a concern for people with pork allergies or those following halal dietary rules?

Yes, the chorizo component is made from pork (91 % of the sausage) and therefore is unsuitable for anyone allergic to pork or for consumers who require halal‑certified ingredients.

M&S • 600g

Chunky Chicken Chorizo & Rice Soup

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Chunky Chicken Chorizo & Rice Soup belongs to the Composite foods and One‑dish meals families, offering a convenient microwave‑ready meal. It is classified as NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that contains additives such as sodium nitrite (E250), potassium nitrate (E252) and antioxidant (E301). Nutritionally, it provides modest protein (7.2 g per 300 g serving) and low sugars (1 g per 100 g) but contributes a notable amount of fat (2.5 g per 100 g) and includes allergens like celery, milk and pork.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables18.8 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal (per 100 g), this soup delivers significantly less fat (2.5 g vs 5.9 g), saturated fat (0.5 g vs 1.9 g) and sugar (1 g vs 3.6 g), but also provides fewer protein (2.4 g vs 7.2 g) and total calories (56 kcal vs 175 kcal).

Ingredients

Roast Chicken Stock (Water Yeast Extract Chicken Bones, Chicken Fat Salt Carrots Onions, Tomato Paste Bay Leaves Thyme), Tomatoes British Chicken Thighs (7%), White Wine, Red Peppers, Peas, Risotto Rice (3.5%), Cornflour, Onions, Rapeseed Oil, Celery, Chorizo Pork Sausage (1%) (Pork (91%), Water, Curing Salt (Salt, Preservative: Sodium Nitrite, Potassium Nitrate), Ground Paprika, Dried Whole Milk, Dextrose, Antioxidant: E301, Ground Nutmeg, Dried Oregano), Ground Spices (Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Bay, Cayenne, Black Pepper, Fennel), Salt, Parsley, Garlic Purée, Red Chilli Peppers

84%

35%

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