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

The product is deemed ultra‑processed because it combines many industrial ingredients beyond the basic meat, cheese and bread components. It includes emulsifiers (E471), stabilisers (E450, E451), a preservative (E282), a salt substitute (E331), a gelling agent (E407), plus added sugars, dextrose, natural flavourings and lemon juice concentrate, all of which are characteristic of NOVA‑4 foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 2.8 g of sugars per 100 g, the sandwich contributes a modest amount of carbohydrates that diabetics must tally within their daily allowance, while the 1.6 g of salt exceeds half of the recommended 3 g daily limit for the general population and can raise blood pressure, making it less suitable for hypertensive individuals.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like Vegan, Keto, Halal, or Gluten‑Free?

No, the sandwich is not vegan because it contains pork ham, dairy cheese, butter and egg‑derived cheese, nor is it gluten‑free due to wheat flour and gluten. It is unsuitable for a keto diet as it provides 27 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, and it does not meet Halal standards because of the pork ham.

HERTA, Tendre Croc' • 300 g

HERTA Croque-Monsieur Maxi Jambon fromage ss nitrite x2 300G

Composite Foods

Product Insights

HERTA Croque-Monsieur Maxi is a ready‑to‑heat sandwich belonging to the sandwiches food family. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with multiple additives such as emulsifiers, preservatives and stabilisers. While it provides a solid 12 g of protein and low added sugars per 100 g, it is relatively high in salt (1.6 g) and saturated fat (5.4 g), which may be a concern for heart‑healthy diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal267 kcal

Fat12 g

Saturated Fat5.4 g

Carbohydrates27 g

Sugars2.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the typical sandwich category averages, this croque‑monsieur contains less sugar, fat, saturated fat and salt per 100 g.

Ingredients

Farine de BLÉ, Jambon de porc, Eau, FROMAGES (ŒUF), Huiles végétales (palme, colza), Amidons modifiés, Protéines de LAIT, Sel, BEURRE, GLUTEN de BLÉ, Levure, Sucre, Dextrose, Stabilisants : E450, E451, Sel de fonte : E331, Conservateur : E282, Arômes naturels (présence naturelle de polyphénols), Gélifiant : E407, Antioxydant : acide ascorbique, Emulsifiant : E471, Arôme, Jus de citron concentré.

84%

35%

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