Why is Chicken Mole classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and what specific additive does it contain?

NOVA group 3 indicates foods made with culinary ingredients and additives; Chicken Mole includes citric acid (E330) as an acidifier, which is the only listed additive.

How does the sugar and salt content in Chicken Mole affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With approximately 4.2 g of sugar and 0.9 g of salt per 100 g, the dish adds modest carbs that can raise blood glucose, and its salt contributes to daily sodium limits, so people with diabetes or hypertension should consume it in moderation.

Based on its ingredients, is Chicken Mole suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The product contains boneless skinless chicken, so it is not vegan or vegetarian; its carbohydrate content (~8 g per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for strict keto diets; it contains no pork or alcohol, but halal status depends on the source of the chicken and processing; there are no wheat‑derived ingredients, so it is generally gluten‑free.

Trader Joe's • 16 oz

Chicken Mole

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Chicken Mole is a ready‑to‑heat one‑dish meal classified in the Composite foods group of the PNNS system. It earns a Nutri‑Score of A and falls in NOVA group 3, offering 14 g of protein per 100 g and low saturated fat, while containing moderate added sugars and about 0.9 g of salt per 100 g. Overall, the dish provides a solid protein boost and modest calories (≈136 kcal/100 g) but the sugar level exceeds the typical meal average and the presence of the additive citric acid (E330) reflects some processing.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal136 kcal

Added Sugars4.3 g

Iron1.2 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal, this Chicken Mole contains roughly 30 % less fat, half the salt, but about 20 % more sugar and twice the protein per 100 g.

Ingredients

BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN LEG MEAT, WATER, ONION, SUGAR, PASILLA CHILE PEPPER, DICED TOMATOES IN JUICE (TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, CALCIUM, CHLORIDE, CITRIC ACID [ACIDIFIER]), CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF SAFFLOWER OIL, CHILE PEPPER BLEND (CHILI PEPPER, GUAJILLO CHILE PEPPERS), GARLIC, CORNSTARCH, SEA SALT, BLACK PEPPER, ONION POWDER, CORIANDER, GROUND CINNAMON

84%

35%

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