Why is HERTA Croque-Monsieur classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The NOVA system labels foods that contain industrial formulations, added flavours, emulsifiers, stabilisers or numerous processing steps as ultra‑processed. This croque‑monsieur includes several food‑grade additives: preservative E282 (calcium propionate), acidity regulator E331 (sodium citrates), stabiliser E451 (triphosphates), gelling agent E407 (alginate) and emulsifier E471 (mono‑ and diglycerides), which places it in NOVA group 4.

How does the salt content of this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 1.57 g of salt per 100 g, the sandwich exceeds the low‑salt recommendation of less than 0.3 g per 100 g, making it a potential concern for individuals managing hypertension or those advised to limit sodium intake; while it does not directly affect blood glucose, the high sodium may aggravate cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients.

Is the gluten in this croque‑monsieur a problem for people with celiac disease?

Yes. The product lists wheat flour and wheat gluten as ingredients and flags gluten as an allergen, so it is not safe for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

HERTA, Herta, Tendre Croc' • 400 g

HERTA Croque-Monsieur Jambon fromage sans nitrite x4 400G

Composite Foods

Product Insights

HERTA Croque-Monsieur Jambon fromage sans nitrite is a 400 g frozen sandwich that combines a toasted croque‑monsieur base with ham and melted cheese, produced in France. Per 100 g it delivers 266 kcal, 11 g fat (5.5 g saturated), 29 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein, 1.5 g fiber, 3.3 g sugars and 1.57 g salt, earning a Nutri‑Score of D and a NOVA group 4 classification due to its multiple additives such as E282, E331, E451, E407 and E471, and it contains the allergens gluten and milk. The snack offers convenient protein and calcium but its high saturated fat and salt content make it unsuitable for low‑sodium or heart‑healthy diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal266 kcal

Fat11 g

Saturated Fat5.5 g

Carbohydrates29 g

Sugars3.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average frozen sandwich, this croque‑monsieur provides about 27 % fewer calories, 42 % less fat and 50 % less salt per 100 g, but also delivers roughly one‑third less protein.

Ingredients

Farine de BLÉ, Eau, Jambon de porc, FROMAGES, Huiles végétales (palme, colza), Amidons modifiés, PROTÉINES de LAIT, Sel, BEURRE, Levure, Sucre, GLUTEN de BLÉ, Dextrose, Conservateur : E282, Sel de fonte : E331, Stabilisant : E451, Gélifiant : E407, Arômes naturels (présence naturelle de polyphénols), Antioxydant : acide ascorbique, Arôme, Emulsifiant : E471, Jus de citron concentré. Peut contenir : OEUFS.

84%

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