Why is this Soup classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labelled NOVA 4 because the formulation uses refined components such as tomato purée, red lentils and fortified wheat flour, plus added salt, sugar, flavourings and a firming agent (calcium chloride, listed as additive E509), which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

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

With 1.9 g of sugar and 0.43 g of salt per 100 g, the soup is relatively low in both nutrients, so it fits within most diabetic and blood‑pressure‑friendly meal plans, but the sugar still contributes carbohydrates and the salt should be counted toward daily limits.

Based on the ingredients, is this Soup suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or other strict diets?

The product contains wheat flour and a calcium‑chloride firming agent, so it is not gluten‑free; the vegetable bouillon is labelled ‘maybe vegan’, making the overall vegan status uncertain, and it is free from animal‑derived proteins, but it does not meet strict vegan certification.

Sainsbury's • 400g

Soup

Fruits And Vegetables

Product Insights

Sainsbury's Soup is a plant‑based vegetable soup sold in a 400 g package. It earns a Nutri‑Score of A and is classified in the NOVA 4 ultra‑processed category; per 100 g it provides 49 kcal, 0.7 g fat (low), 0.1 g saturated fat (low), 1.9 g sugars (low), 0.43 g salt (moderate), 2.8 g protein and 1 g fibre. While the soup is low in fat, sugar and salt compared with typical vegetable soups, it contains added sugar, a calcium‑chloride firming agent (E509) and wheat flour, making it unsuitable for gluten‑free diets and raising concerns for those seeking fully vegan products.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0.1 g

Fruits & Vegetables70.9 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average vegetable soup, this product contains about half the sugar (1.9 g vs 3.73 g), less than one‑quarter the salt (0.43 g vs 1.72 g) and markedly lower fat (0.7 g vs 2.65 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

tomato purée (37%), red lentils (32%), water, onion red pepper, green pepper, carrot, cornflour, fortified wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, the nin), vegetable bouillon (salt, yeast extract, sugar, onion powder, leek powder, garlic powder, flavouring), sugar, rapeseed oil, salt, basil, garlic purée, firming agent: calcium Chloride, white pepper, cayenne pepper, chilli.

84%

35%

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