Why is King Prawn Tomato & Basil Pasta Bowl classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and does it contain any additives?

It is deemed ultra‑processed because it is a ready‑to‑eat composite meal that includes processed components such as cooked egg pasta, pasteurised egg yolk, vegetable oil and crème fraîche, and it undergoes industrial cooking and packaging; the ingredient list shows zero declared additives, so no preservatives, colourings or flavour enhancers are added.

How might the salt and sugar levels in this pasta bowl affect someone managing hypertension or diabetes?

The salt content of 0.48 g per 100 g (about 0.19 % sodium) is considerably lower than the average for similar meals, making it relatively modest for a hypertension‑controlled diet, while the sugar level of 2.3 g per 100 g is also below the category average, reducing the risk of rapid glucose spikes; nevertheless, portion control remains important for diabetic individuals.

Is the king prawn in this product a concern for shellfish allergy sufferers?

Yes, king prawns are a crustacean and are recognized as a major allergen, so anyone with a shellfish allergy should avoid this dish.

M&S Food • 340 g

King Prawn Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad

Composite Foods

Product Insights

King Prawn Tomato & Basil Pasta Bowl is a ready‑to‑eat pasta bowl that combines egg pasta, tomatoes, king prawns, crème fraîche, spinach, basil and a light sauce. It belongs to the PNNS categories Composite foods and One‑dish meals, carries a Nutri‑Score of A and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4). Nutritionally it provides about 161 kcal, 6 g protein and 1.2 g fibre per 100 g, but also contains 0.48 g salt, 2.3 g sugars and includes the allergens egg, gluten and milk.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal161 kcal

Fat6.7 g

Saturated Fat0.6 g

Carbohydrates19.2 g

Sugars2.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average pasta‑salad category, this bowl contains less sugar, fat, saturated fat, salt and fewer calories per 100 g, positioning it as a relatively lighter option.

Ingredients

Cooked Egg Pasta (38%) (Durum _Wheat_ Semolina, Water, Pasteurised _Egg_), Mayonnaise (Water, Rapeseed Oil, Sugar, _Egg_ Yolk, Vinegar, Citrus Fibre, Salt, Dried _Egg_ White), Tomatoes, King Prawns (_Crustacean_) (13%), Tomato Ketchup (Water, Sugar, Tomato Purée, Vinegar, Cornflour, Salt, Dried Onions, Ground Cloves, Allspice), Spinach, Sundried Tomato Paste (Sundried Tomatoes, Sunflower Oil, Tomatoes, Sugar, Salt, Dried Garlic, Dried Oregano, Basil) Tomato Paste, Basil, Lemon Juice, Vegetable Oil (Sunflower/Rapeseed), Cornflour, Salt, Parsley, Roasted Garlic Purée

84%

35%

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