Why is Honey & Mustard Chicken Pasta classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is rated NOVA 4 because its formulation includes several processed components such as cooked pasta, a creamy sauce, and multiple flavor enhancers, and it lists two additives: turmeric extract (E100) for colour and pectin (E440) as a thickening agent.

How does the sugar and salt content in Honey & Mustard Chicken Pasta affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 3 g of sugars per 100 g, the product is relatively low in sugar for a ready meal, so it has modest impact on blood glucose, but the 0.35 g of salt per 100 g (about 350 mg) adds to daily sodium intake, meaning people with hypertension should watch total salt consumption while diabetics should still consider overall carbohydrate portions.

Is the mustard in Honey & Mustard Chicken Pasta a problem for individuals with mustard allergy?

Mustard seeds are listed as an ingredient and appear in the allergen tags, so anyone with a mustard allergy should avoid this product, as even small amounts can trigger allergic reactions.

TESCO • 300 g

Honey & Mustard Chicken Pasta

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Honey & Mustard Chicken Pasta is a ready-to-eat refrigerated meal from Tesco that falls within the Composite foods and One-dish meals categories. It carries a Nutri-Score of B and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA group 4), offering 8 g of protein, low saturated fat and low sugars per 100 g, but also contains a moderate amount of fat (5.4 g) and added sugars, and a sodium level of 0.35 g per 100 g. Allergens present include milk, gluten, egg and mustard, and the product lists two additives – turmeric extract (E100) and pectin (E440) – which contribute to its processed status.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal168 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average pasta‑salad, this meal provides slightly less sugar (3 g vs 3.57 g), marginally lower fat (5.4 g vs 5.94 g) and substantially less salt (0.35 g vs 3.55 g per 100 g).

Ingredients

Cooked Pasta [Water, Durum Wheat Semolina], Chicken Breast (12%), Water, Sweetcorn, Crème Fraîche (Milk), Rapeseed Oil, Red Pepper, Yogurt (Milk), Honey,Spirit Vinegar, Mustard Seeds, Sugar, Mustard Flour, Pasteurised Egg, Salt, Parsley, Garlic Purée, White Pepper, Malt Vinegar (Barley), Citrus Fibre, Pasteurised Egg Yolk, Cornflour, Modified Potato Starch, Black Pepper, Sea Salt, Basil, Chive, Mustard Bran, Thickener (Pectin), Vinegar, Turmeric Extract, Ground Pimento, Turmeric Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.