Why is Plant Chef Falafel and Houmous classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is made from a mixture of flours, vegetables, legumes and oils that are combined, cooked and packaged with multiple industrial ingredients, placing it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group. Its label lists additives such as calcium carbonate (E170), glycerol (E422), disodium diphosphate (E450i), citric acid (E330), sodium bicarbonate (E500ii) and a range of colour and flavour enhancers, which are typical of highly processed foods.

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

At 6.4 g of sugars per 100 g, the snack provides more readily available carbohydrates than many comparable wraps, which can cause a noticeable rise in blood glucose for people with diabetes. The salt level is 0.65 g per 100 g, lower than the average snack but still contributes to daily sodium intake, so it should be consumed in moderation by individuals managing hypertension.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free?

The formula is fully plant‑based and contains no animal-derived substances, making it suitable for vegan and halal diets. However, it includes wheat flour and wheat‑derived ingredients, so it is not gluten‑free, and with 32.2 g of carbohydrates per 100 g it exceeds the low‑carb thresholds required for a keto regimen.

Tesco • 100g

Plant chef falafel and houmous

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Plant Chef Falafel and Houmous is a vegan snack positioned as a composite food for sandwiches and wraps. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and falls into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting the presence of several food additives such as E170, E422, E450, E500 and others. Nutritionally, the 100 g portion provides 222 kcal, 6.8 g fat (2 g saturated), 5.6 g protein, 4.5 g fiber and 6.4 g sugars, which is lower in fat, salt and calories than average snack wraps but higher in sugars and lower in protein.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal222 kcal

Fat6.8 g

Saturated Fat2 g

Carbohydrates32.2 g

Sugars6.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack‑wrap profile, this product has higher sugar (6.4 g vs 4.5 g) but considerably lower fat (6.8 g vs 19 g), saturated fat (2 g vs 6.5 g), salt (0.65 g vs 3.2 g) and energy (222 kcal vs 366 kcal), while offering more fiber (4.5 g vs 2.1 g) and similar carbohydrates.

Ingredients

Wheat Flour, Carrot and Coriander Falafel (20%) [Chickpeas, Carrot, Onion, Rapeseed Oil, Dried Potato, Wheat Flour, Coriander, Cumin, Salt, Parsley, Coriander Powder, Water, Raising Agent (Sodium Bicarbonate), Cumin Seed, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Yeast], Water, Chickpeas, Carrot, Spinach, Mango, Sugar, Palm Oil, Malt Vinegar (Barley), Apple, Apricot, Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Salt, Humectant (Glycerol), Onion, Raising Agents (Sodium Bicarbonate, Disodium Diphosphate, Malic Acid), Ginger, Tomato Powder, Garlic. Cornflour, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Coriander Leaf, Coriander Powder, Bell Pepper, Garlic Powder, Ginger Powder, Paprika, Basil. Wheat Flour contains Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin.

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