Why is Tomato & Basil Spaghetti classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is rated NOVA 4 because it combines several processed ingredients such as cooked pasta, concentrated tomato puree, multiple vegetable oils and a stabiliser; the only listed additive is pectin (E440) used as a thickening agent.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 2 g of sugars and 0.54 g of salt per 100 g, the spaghetti is low in sugar and contains less than one‑fifth of the average salt level for ready‑meals, making it a safer choice for diabetics, though individuals with hypertension should still monitor portion sizes due to the moderate salt amount.

Is the presence of gluten and milk in this product a concern for people with specific food allergies?

Yes, the pasta contains wheat gluten and the parmesan cheese provides milk proteins, so the meal is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance, coeliac disease, or a milk allergy.

M&S Food • 400 g

Tomato & Basil Spaghetti

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Tomato & Basil Spaghetti is a refrigerated microwave meal classified as a composite food and one‑dish meal. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and is placed in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, containing moderate fat, low sugars, moderate salt, and allergens for gluten and milk. Compared with average ready‑meals it offers lower energy, fat and salt per 100 g, but also provides less protein and fiber.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal113 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal, this spaghetti contains about half the fat, one‑third the salt and 40% less sugar per 100 g.

Ingredients

Pâtes cuites (42 %) (eau, semoule de _blé_ dur (contient _gluten_)), tomates (38 %), concentré de tomate cerise, huile de colza, fromage parmesan (_lait_) (2 %), huile de tournesol infusée au basilic, huile d'olive vierge extra, sucre, vinaigre de vin rouge, purée d'ail, fécule de maïs, sel, basilic, persil, stabilisant : pectine, poivre noir grossièrement moulu.

84%

35%

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