Why is Signature Recipe Croutons Garlic & Romano classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The croutons are labeled NOVA 4 because they include refined flour, added high‑fructose corn syrup, multiple oil blends, flavor enhancers and three specific food additives: caramel color (E150c), calcium propionate (E282) as a preservative, and tert‑butylhydroquinone (E319) to preserve freshness.

How does the high fat and moderate salt content of these croutons affect a heart‑healthy or hypertensive diet?

With 14 g of fat and 2.68 g of salt per 100 g, the croutons add considerable saturated‑fat‑free calories and a moderate amount of sodium, which can raise LDL cholesterol and blood pressure if consumed frequently, so they should be limited in heart‑healthy or low‑sodium eating plans.

Does the presence of whey and romano cheese solids make this product unsuitable for people with milk or dairy allergies?

Yes, the inclusion of whey and romano cheese solids derived from cow’s milk means the croutons contain dairy proteins and should be avoided by anyone with a milk allergy or dairy intolerance.

Olive Garden

SIGNATURE RECIPE CROUTONS GARLIC & ROMANO

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Signature Recipe Croutons Garlic & Romano are a seasoned bread product classified in the PNNS group “Bread”. They receive a Nutri‑Score of D and fall into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, containing 14 g of fat, 2.68 g of salt, zero sugars and about 428 kcal per 100 g while providing 14 g of protein. The product has the advantage of no added sugars and a decent protein level, but the high fat content, presence of additives such as E150c, E282 and E319, and allergens like gluten and milk are notable drawbacks.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal429 kcal

Fat14.3 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Trans Fat0 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average bread, these croutons contain about three times more fat, roughly one‑third less salt, no sugars, and 40 % more protein, delivering 428 kcal per 100 g versus the typical 349 kcal.

Ingredients

Enriched flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), canola and/or sunflower oil, yeast, salt, 2% or less of high fructose corn syrup, whey, maltodextrin, garlic powder, hydrolyzed corn soy wheat gluten protein, dehydrated parsley, romano cheese solids from cow's milk (pasteurized milk, cultures, salt, enzymes), corn syrup solids, calcium propionate (preservative), caramel color, paprika (color), extractive of paprika (color), natural and artificial flavor (with autolyzed yeast extract), oil of onion, enzymes, ascorbic acid, tbhq (to preserve freshness).

84%

35%

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