Why is GLUTEN FREE CHEESE PIZZA with a cauliflower crust classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The pizza receives a NOVA 4 rating because its formulation relies on several industrially processed components such as refined rice flour, tapioca starch, modified rice starch, microbial coagulating enzymes, added cane sugar and the stabiliser xanthan gum (E415). These ingredients are produced through multiple manufacturing steps, placing the product in the ultra‑processed category.

How does the saturated‑fat content of this pizza affect heart‑health considerations for someone on a low‑fat diet?

With 6.1 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the pizza exceeds the average saturated‑fat level for similar products and can contribute to higher LDL‑cholesterol levels, making it less suitable for a heart‑healthy or low‑fat dietary plan where saturated‑fat intake is limited.

Is this cauliflower‑crust pizza suitable for gluten‑free, vegan, keto, or halal diets?

The pizza is certified gluten‑free, but it contains dairy cheese and egg whites, so it is not vegan. Its carbohydrate content (~27 g per 100 g) is moderate, which may fit a liberal keto approach for some users. The ingredients are generally permissible under halal guidelines, though certification would be required for strict adherence.

Trader Joe's

GLUTEN FREE CHEESE PIZZA with a cauliflower crust

Composite Foods

Product Insights

The product is a gluten‑free cheese pizza built on a cauliflower crust, combining cauliflower, low‑moisture mozzarella, provolone, rice and tapioca starches, and a seasoned tomato sauce. It falls under the Composite foods group, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as NOVA 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with multiple refined starches, added sugars and the additive xanthan gum (E415). Per 100 g it delivers 237 kcal, 10 g protein and 10 g total fat, but the saturated‑fat level is relatively high at 6.1 g while sugar and salt are modest, giving it a mixed nutritional profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal238 kcal

Added Sugars1.2 g

Iron0.5 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for pizza‑type products, this pizza has slightly lower calories (237 kcal vs 261 kcal), sugar (3.3 g vs 4.1 g) and salt (0.6 g vs 2.2 g), but its saturated‑fat (6.1 g) exceeds the typical 4.9 g, while total fat and protein are a bit below average.

Ingredients

CAULIFLOWER CRUST (CAULIFLOWER, LOW MOISTURE MOZZARELLA CHEESE [PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, MICROBIAL ENZYME], RICE FLOUR, TAPIOCA STARCH, RICE STARCH, EGG WHITES, MODIFIED RICE STARCH, CANE SUGAR, YEAST, GARLIC POWDER, SPICES, SALT, XANTHAN GUM), PIZZA SAUCE (TOMATO PUREE [TOMATO PASTE, WATER], SEA SALT, SUGAR, EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, ROSEMARY, CRUSHED RED PEPPER, OREGANO, GARLIC POWDER), LOW MOISTURE MOZZARELLA CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, MICROBIAL ENZYMES), PROVOLONE CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, MICROBIAL ENZYMES), ROSEMARY, OREGANO

84%

35%

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