Why is Baked Beans in Tomato sauce classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product receives a NOVA 4 rating because its ingredients include processed components such as modified maize starch, added sugar, flavoring and paprika extract (E160c), which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

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

With 4.5 g of sugar and 0.57 g of salt per 100 g, the beans add a modest amount of carbohydrate that can raise blood glucose, so portion control is advised for diabetics, while the salt level is lower than many canned foods but still contributes to daily sodium intake, requiring careful monitoring for hypertension.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like Vegan, Keto, Halal, or Gluten‑Free?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, making the product suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets; it contains no wheat or gluten sources, so it is gluten‑free, but the added sugar and starch mean it is not compatible with ketogenic diets, and halal status cannot be confirmed without a certification.

Sainsbury's • 400g

Baked Beans in Tomato sauce by Sainsbury’s

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

Baked Beans in Tomato sauce by Sainsbury’s is a plant‑based canned staple featuring haricot beans and tomato sauce. It belongs to the legumes and pulses group, carries a Nutri‑Score of A and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4); it provides modest energy (77 kcal per 100 g), low fat and sugars, but a moderate amount of salt (0.57 g per 100 g) and contains one additive (paprika extract, E160c). The bean content delivers 4.2 g fiber and 3.8 g protein per 100 g, yet the presence of added sugar and flavorings means it is not a clean‑label option.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars2.3 g

Fruits & Vegetables84.6 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average values for similar products, this baked beans offering contains far fewer calories, fat, saturated fat, sugars and salt while matching the fiber content and providing slightly less protein.

Ingredients

Haricot Beans (51%), Tomatoes (33%), Water, Sugar, Modified Maize Starch, Salt, Onion Powder, Paprika Extract, Paprika Powder, Flavouring, Onion Oil

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Baked Beans in Tomato sauce by Sainsbury’s.

Sainsbury's

Baked Beans in tasty tomato sauce

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