Why is Southern Fried Chicken Pasta classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is made from a long list of processed ingredients, including cooked pasta, chicken breast, emulsified dairy, multiple starches and several flavorings, and it lists three food additives: E160c (beta‑carotene colour), E500 (sodium carbonate) and E500(ii) (sodium bicarbonate), which together place it in NOVA group 4.

How does the salt content in this product affect a hypertensive diet?

With 0.36 g of salt per 100 g (about 0.14 g of sodium), the product is considerably lower than the average salted pasta meal and can fit within a reduced‑salt eating plan, but consumers should still account for total daily sodium intake when combining it with other dishes.

Based on the ingredient list, is Southern Fried Chicken Pasta suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, keto or halal diets?

No, the dish contains chicken, dairy (creme fraiche, low‑fat yogurt, milk solids) and wheat‑derived components (pasta, flour, gluten), making it unsuitable for vegan and gluten‑free diets; its carbohydrate level (20 g per 100 g) is too high for strict keto, while the absence of pork and alcohol‑derived ingredients suggests it may be acceptable for many halal consumers, though certification is not indicated.

Tesco • 300g

Southern Fried Chicken Pasta

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Southern Fried Chicken Pasta is a ready‑to‑heat composite food from Tesco that combines cooked pasta with chicken breast, vegetables and creamy dairy components. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product containing several additives such as E160c, E500 and E500(ii). Nutritionally it provides moderate protein (6.7 g) and low sugars (1.9 g) per 100 g, but also delivers moderate fat (6.4 g) and a noticeable amount of salt (0.36 g) and includes allergens celery, gluten and milk.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal166 kcal

Fat6.4 g

Saturated Fat1.3 g

Carbohydrates20 g

Sugars1.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical pasta‑based meals, this dish contains less sugar (1.9 g vs 3.57 g) and far less salt (0.36 g vs 3.55 g), while its fat (6.4 g) is slightly above the average 5.94 g and its protein (6.7 g) falls short of the 7.16 g average.

Ingredients

Cooked pasta (water, durum wheat semolina), chicken breast (10%), water, sweetcorn, rapeseed oil, onion, pepper, creme fraiche (milk), low fat yogurt (milk), wheat flour, red wine vinegar, cornflour, pasteurised egg, malt vinegar (barley), white wine vinegar, pasteurised egg yolk, parsley, chives, palm oil, salt, wheat starch, wheat gluten, mustard flour, white pepper, red pepper flakes, black pepper, garlic powder, sugar, spices, milk solids, maize flour, tapioca starch, spirit vinegar, rice flour, onion powder, yeast extract, sage, origano, sage extract, mustard powder, basil, paprika extract, sea salt, pepper extract, mustard husk, raising agent (sodium bicarbonate), yeast, celery, ground turmeric, ground pimento, coriander extract, chilli extract.

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.