Why is 6 Chicken McNuggets classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The nuggets undergo multiple industrial steps such as grinding, battering, pre‑cooking and flash‑frying, which place them in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category; the ingredient list shows additives including calcium lactate (E327), monocalcium phosphate (E341i), baking soda (E500ii), sodium aluminium phosphate (E541), sodium acid pyrophosphate (E450i) and other stabilisers.

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

With 1.81 g of salt per 100 g (about 730 mg of sodium), the product contributes a significant portion of the recommended maximum daily sodium intake of 2 g, which can raise blood pressure and should be limited for individuals managing hypertension.

Is the wheat flour in this product a concern for gluten‑intolerant consumers?

Yes, the product contains wheat flour and gluten, making it unsuitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

McDonald's • 106 g

6 Chicken McNuggets

Meats And Their Products

Product Insights

6 Chicken McNuggets is a 106 g portion of breaded chicken pieces sold by McDonald’s, classified in the meat and poultry category and belonging to the Meat and meat products group. The nuggets provide 175 kcal per 100 g, 8.3 g fat (including 1 g saturated fat), 11 g protein, 0.5 g sugars and 1.81 g salt, resulting in a Nutri-Score of D and a NOVA rating of 4, indicating an ultra-processed product. The formulation contains wheat flour, gluten, soy and celery allergens and includes several food additives such as E327, E341i, E500ii and E541, while the product is packaged in a cardboard box.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal175 kcal

Fat8.3 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates14 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for chicken nugget-type foods, this offering has lower fat (8.3 g vs 15.4 g), lower sugar (0.5 g vs 1.9 g), lower salt (1.81 g vs 2.6 g) and fewer calories (175 kcal vs 233 kcal), but it contains more carbohydrates (14 g vs 4.7 g) and less protein (11 g vs 18.5 g).

Ingredients

White Boneless Chicken, Water, Vegetable Oil (canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil), Enriched Flour (bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Bleached Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Vegetable Starch (modified Corn, Wheat, Rice, Pea, Corn), Salt, Leavening (baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Calcium Lactate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Spices, Yeast Extract, Lemon Juice Solids, Dextrose, Natural Flavors.

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