Why is Pulled Pork classified as ultra processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is deemed ultra processed because the meat is combined with a liquid seasoning that includes water, rice starch, smoked salt, maltodextrin, sodium carbonate (E500) and diphosphate (E450), as well as spice extracts; these industrial ingredients and multiple processing steps place it in the NOVA 4 category.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this pulled pork affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 0.6 g of sugars per 100 g the product has a minimal impact on blood glucose, but its 1.2 g of salt per 100 g (≈480 mg sodium) contributes significantly to daily sodium intake and should be limited for people managing hypertension.

Based on its ingredients, is this pulled pork suitable for strict diets such as vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free?

The product contains 98% pork and is therefore not vegan, vegetarian, or halal, it is low in carbohydrates making it compatible with a keto regimen, and it carries a no gluten label, so it fits gluten‑free diets.

Lidl, Mcennedy • 550 g

Pulled Pork

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

The product is a ready to eat pulled pork made from 98% pork, seasoned with water, rice starch, smoked salt and spice extracts, sold by Lidl under the McEnnedy brand. It falls in the meat PNNS group, carries a Nutri-Score of C and is classified as NOVA 4 ultra processed, offering 18 g of protein, modest 7 g of fat and low 0.6 g of sugars per 100 g, but also contains 1.2 g of salt and the additives E450 (diphosphate) and E500 (sodium carbonate). The product is free from gluten and lactose, yet it may trigger sensitivities for those allergic to celery or mustard and its high processing level limits its suitability for clean eating diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal144 kcal

Fat7 g

Saturated Fat2.7 g

Carbohydrates2 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar pork meals, this pulled pork contains markedly less fat, sugar and salt while delivering a comparable protein level.

Ingredients

98% Schweinefleisch flüssig gewürzt [85% Schweinefleisch*, 13% Flüssigwürzung (Trinkwasser, Reisstärke, Rauchsalz (Speisesalz, Buchenholzrauch), Maltodextrin, Speisesalz, Säureregulator: Natriumcarbonate; Stabilisator: Diphosphate; Gewürzextrakte)], 2% Würzung (Tomatenpulver, Speisesalz, Gewürze, Zucker, Gewürzextrakte, Buchenholzrauch).

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.