Why is CHICKEN, TOMATO & BASIL PASTA classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The dish is considered ultra‑processed because it combines several industrially prepared components such as cooked pasta, marinated chicken, and a complex dressing that includes flavouring, paprika extract, dried glucose syrup and a small amount of added sugar; these ingredients are typical of NOVA‑4 foods.

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

Each 100 g portion contains 3.8 g of sugars, which is slightly above the average for pasta salads, so it should be counted toward daily sugar limits for diabetics. The salt level is only 0.39 g per 100 g, well below the average 3.55 g, making it generally acceptable for a hypertensive diet when consumed in moderation.

Is the mustard in this product a concern for people with mustard allergy?

Yes. Mustard seeds are listed in the ingredients and are highlighted as an allergen, so anyone with a mustard allergy should avoid this pasta.

TESCO • 300 g

CHICKEN, TOMATO & BASIL PASTA

Composite Foods

Product Insights

CHICKEN, TOMATO & BASIL PASTA is a ready‑made one‑dish meal classified under the Composite foods and One‑dish meals groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B, indicating a relatively balanced profile, but it is listed as NOVA group 4, meaning it is ultra‑processed and contains added flavourings, paprika extract and a small amount of added sugar. The product provides moderate energy (159 kcal per 100 g), low saturated fat and salt, yet it is lower in protein and fiber than typical pasta salads and includes gluten and mustard allergens.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal67 kcal

Energy280 kJ

Fat5.2 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average pasta‑salad products, this pasta has less fat, saturated fat and salt, slightly more sugar, higher carbohydrates and lower protein and fiber, while delivering a marginally lower energy content.

Ingredients

Cooked Pasta (Water, Durum _Wheat_ Semolina), Chicken Breast 12%, Water, Onion, Tomato Paste, Roasted Red Peppers, Rapeseed Oil, Tomato, Sugar, Spirit Vinegar, Parsley, Sundried Tomatoes, White Wine Vinegar, Garlic Purée, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Sunflower Oil, Basil, Salt, Cornflour, Tomato Powder, Oregano, _Mustard_ Seeds, Dried Glucose Syrup, Tapioca Starch, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic, Paprika Extract, Flavouring, White Pepper, Rosemary

84%

35%

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