Why is Tender Wheat Squares with Eggplant, Pepper, Basil classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what additives does it contain?

The product is labeled NOVA 4 because it is made from industrially processed wheat gluten (seitan), refined vegetable oils and pre-cooked rice, processes that involve extensive extraction, refining and reconstitution; however, it does not contain any listed food additives, preservatives or colourings.

How does the sugar and salt content of this product affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 3.9 g of sugars per 100 g, the product can raise blood glucose levels if consumed in large portions, so diabetics should monitor their intake, while its 0.98 g of salt per 100 g is lower than the average for similar items but still contributes to daily sodium, meaning hypertensive individuals should factor it into their overall salt budget.

Is the wheat gluten in this product a concern for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?

Yes; the product contains 39.5% seitan made from wheat gluten and is explicitly labeled as containing gluten, making it unsuitable for anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Céréal bio • 200 g

Tendres carrés de blé aux aubergine, poivron, basilic

Meat Alternatives

Product Insights

Tender Wheat Squares with Eggplant, Pepper, and Basil are a plant-based protein product from Cereal Bio, marketed as a vegetarian meat alternative. The product delivers a solid 14 g of protein per 100 g, is certified organic, vegan, and carries an A+ Eco-Score, but it is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and contains gluten, with moderate salt (0.98 g/100 g) and higher-than-average sugars (3.9 g/100 g). It belongs to the plant-based protein group in the PNNS dietary classification and carries a Nutri-Score of B, reflecting a balanced yet not optimal nutritional profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal191 kcal

Fat6 g

Saturated Fat0.7 g

Carbohydrates19 g

Sugars3.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average meat-alternative product, it contains more sugar (3.9 g vs 1.47 g) and less salt (0.98 g vs 1.7 g), while its protein (14 g) is close to the category average of 14.85 g and its fiber (2.5 g) falls short of the 3.8 g average.

Ingredients

Seitan de blé* 39,5% (eau, gluten de blé*, farine de blé*, sel de mer), aubergines* 25,1%, riz complet* précuit, farine de blé*, huiles végétales* (tournesol oléique* et tournesol*), poivrons rouges* 7%, flocons d'avoine complète*, oignons* 4,6%, sel de mer, plantes aromatiques*, paprika*. *Ingrédients issus de l'agriculture biologique

84%

35%

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