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

It is labelled NOVA 4 because the formulation includes many industrial ingredients such as added sugars, a natural flavouring, paprika extract (E160c), wheat‑based breadcrumbs, cheese powders and emulsifiers, which are not typically used in home cooking, making the product ultra‑processed.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this frozen moussaka affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 2.4 g of sugar and 0.78 g of salt per 100 g, the product is low in sugar and contains less salt than many ready‑meals, so it can fit into a diabetic diet if portion sizes are controlled; the salt amount is moderate and should still be considered by those managing high blood pressure.

Can this product be included in vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

No; the moussaka contains beef, milk‑derived cheeses and wheat flour in the breadcrumb coating, so it is neither vegan, keto‑friendly (due to 6 g of carbs per 100 g) nor gluten‑free.

Carrefour • 600 g

Moussaka

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Moussaka is a French‑manufactured frozen ready‑meal that combines prefried eggplant, tomatoes, French beef and cheeses in a single‑dish format classified under the “Composite foods” (one‑dish meals) group. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of C and belongs to NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with added sugars, flavourings (E160c) and wheat‑based breadcrumbs, while providing moderate fat (8.3 g) and protein (4 g) per 100 g. It is relatively low in salt (0.78 g) and sugars (2.4 g) compared with typical ready‑meals, but it contains gluten and milk allergens and therefore may not suit people with those sensitivities.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal120 kcal

Fat8.3 g

Saturated Fat2.5 g

Carbohydrates6.1 g

Sugars2.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Energetically, the moussaka provides 120 kcal per 100 g, well below the category average of 174 kcal, while its fat (8.3 g) exceeds the average 5.94 g, its protein (4 g) falls short of the average 7.16 g, and its fiber (2.4 g) is slightly higher than the typical 2.08 g.

Ingredients

Eau, aubergines préfrites 19,2% (aubergines, huile de tournesol), tomates pelées concassées au jus 19% (tomates 13%, jus de tomates), viande de bœuf origine France 14%, aubergines 4,8%, oignons 3,6%, purée de tomates double concentré 3,3%, carottes, amidon de maïs, _emmental_ râpé 1,5%, fibres de pois et amidons de pois, _mozzarella_, oignons déshydratés 0,8%, chapelure (farine de _blé_, sel), sel, huile d'olive vierge extra, ail déshydraté, sucre, vin blanc, arômes naturels, poivre, extrait de paprika, thym 0,003%.

84%

35%

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