Why is spinach and pine nut pasta classified as moderately processed (NOVA 3) and which food additives are present in the formulation?

The dish is made from basic ingredients such as pasta, vegetables and cheese, but it also contains added oils, vinegar, mustard, preservatives and antioxidants, which place it in the NOVA 3 category. The listed additives are E1105 (a colourant), E202 (potassium sorbate), E224 (potassium metabisulphite) and E300 (ascorbic acid).

How do the salt and sugar levels in this pasta dish impact people with hypertension or diabetes?

The product includes added salt and a small amount of sugar; excess salt can raise blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, while added sugar contributes to overall carbohydrate intake, which may affect blood glucose control for people with diabetes. Portion control and checking the nutrition label are recommended for these conditions.

Can this spinach and pine nut pasta be included in vegan, gluten‑free or low‑lactose diets?

No. The pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, which contains gluten, and it contains several dairy cheeses (Regato, Grana Padano, Parmesan), introducing milk proteins and lactose. Therefore it is unsuitable for vegan, gluten‑free or low‑lactose dietary requirements.

morrisons • 230g

spinach and pine nut pasta

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Spinach and pine nut pasta is a 230 g ready‑to‑heat dish that combines durum wheat semolina pasta with basil‑infused oil, spinach, pine nuts, Regato, Grana Padano and Parmesan cheeses. It belongs to the cereal‑based food family, carries a NOVA 3 classification indicating moderate processing, and no Nutri‑Score is assigned on the label. The product provides vegetables and calcium‑rich cheese but also includes milk allergens, nut traces, added salt, sugar and four food additives (E1105, E202, E224, E300), making it unsuitable for dairy‑free or low‑salt diets.

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Fruits & Vegetables28 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical ready‑made pasta meals, this product is richer in cheese‑derived protein and healthy polyunsaturated fats from pine nuts, but also contains higher salt and added sugar levels.

Ingredients

230g e Cooked pasta with basil oil, spinach, pine nuts and Regato, Grana Padano and Parmesan cheeses. Ingredients Cooked pasta (68%) (water, durum wheat semolina), Basil, Rapeseed oil, Water, Spinach (3%), White wine vinegar, Sunflower oil, Sugar, Regato cheese (milk), Grana Padano cheese (cheese (milk), preservative (egg lysozyme)), Pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (milk), Salt, Cornflour, Garlic purée, Dijon mustard (water, mustard seed, spirit vinegar, salt), concentrated lemon juice (concentrated lemon juice, preservative (potassium metabisulphite)), Preservative (potassium sorbate), Black pepper, Antioxidant (ascorbic acid). ALLERGY ADVICE For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May also contain nuts and peanuts.

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