Why is Mashed Potatoes Original classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is rated NOVA 4 because the formulation adds many industrial ingredients beyond the basic potatoes, milk and butter, including preservative sodium benzoate (E211), acidity regulator citric acid (E330), anti‑caking calcium silicate (E552), sodium acid pyrophosphate (E450i), artificial color (E202), artificial flavor, vitamin A palmitate and vegetable mono‑ and diglycerides (E322), all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in Mashed Potatoes Original affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1.02 g of sugar per 100 g, the mash adds minimal carbohydrate load and is unlikely to spike blood glucose, making it acceptable for most diabetic meal plans, while its 0.59 g of salt per 100 g is moderate, considerably lower than the category average but still higher than a low‑salt target, so hypertensive individuals should consume it in limited portions.

Is the milk in Mashed Potatoes Original a concern for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies?

Yes; the product contains milk, butter and whey, which provide lactose and dairy proteins, so anyone with lactose intolerance, milk allergy or a vegan diet should avoid it.

Bob Evans • 24 oz

Mashed Potatoes

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Mashed Potatoes Original is a frozen potato side dish belonging to the cereals and potatoes group, marketed as gluten‑free and containing 107 kcal, 5 g fat (including 1.28 g saturated fat), 1.02 g sugars and 0.59 g salt per 100 g. It receives a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with seven listed additives such as sodium benzoate (E211), citric acid (E330), sodium acid pyrophosphate (E450i), artificial color (E202) and calcium silicate (E552). While it offers modest fiber (1.43 g) and protein (2.14 g) and is free from gluten, it contains milk, soy and whey allergens and a moderate salt level, which may be concerns for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal107 kcal

Iron0.3 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average mashed‑potato product, this mash contains about half the sugar, less fat and saturated fat, and roughly one‑fifth the salt, resulting in roughly half the calories per 100 g.

Ingredients

Potatoes, milk, butter (cream, salt), margarine (soybean oil, water, salt, whey solids, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, vegetable mono and diglycerides, soy lecithin, sodium benzoate [preservative], citric acid, artificial flavor, vitamin a palmitate, diacetyl tartaric acid of ester of mono and diglycerides, calcium silicate [anticaking agent]), preservative (artificial color, potassium sorbate, salt, and soybean oil), sodium acid pyrophosphate, spice.

84%

35%

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