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

The product contains multiple industrial ingredients such as processed ham, pre‑grated Emmental, margarine with palm oil, and a blend of additives: E250 (sodium nitrite), E300 (ascorbic acid), E316 (sodium erythorbate), E330 (citric acid) and E471 (mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids). These components, together with the use of refined wheat flour and added flavorings, place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

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

With 2.7 g of sugars and 1 g of salt per 100 g, the sandwich provides relatively low sugar but a moderate amount of salt. For people managing diabetes, the sugar level is modest, but portion size should be considered to keep total carbohydrate intake in check. For those with hypertension, the 1 g salt contributes to daily sodium limits, so consumption should be balanced with other low‑salt foods.

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

No, it is not suitable for those diets. The sandwich contains pork ham, dairy (Emmental, lactose, milk proteins, cream) and wheat‑based ingredients with gluten, ruling out vegan, halal (pork) and gluten‑free suitability. Its carbohydrate content of 22 g per 100 g also makes it incompatible with a strict keto regimen.

Carrefour • 260 g

Croque-monsieur🥪🍞 gratiné

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Croque-monsieur gratiné is a ready‑to‑heat toasted ham and cheese sandwich sold by Carrefour, belonging to the Composite foods (Sandwiches) family. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating it is ultra‑processed; per 100 g it provides 197 kcal, 7.8 g fat (4.1 g saturated), 9.2 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates, 2.7 g sugars, 1 g salt and 1.4 g fiber. While its energy and sugar levels are lower than many comparable sandwiches, the moderate salt and saturated‑fat content, the presence of five food additives and palm oil in the margarine moderate its overall health profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal197 kcal

Fat7.8 g

Saturated Fat4.1 g

Carbohydrates22 g

Sugars2.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sandwich (366 kcal, 19 g fat, 6.5 g saturated fat, 3.2 g salt, 4.5 g sugars per 100 g), this croque‑monsieur offers substantially lower calories, fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar, though it also contains less protein and fiber than the category mean.

Ingredients

Pain de mie 32,6% (farine de _blé_, eau, huile de colza, sucre, levure, _gluten de blé_, sel, agent de traitement de la farine : acide ascorbique), eau, jambon cuit choix 16,3% [jambon de porc 13,2% (origine UE), eau, sel, sirop de glucose, dextrose, arômes naturels, antioxydant : érythorbate de sodium, conservateur : nitrite de sodium], emmental (contient _lait_) 12,1%, farine de _blé_, margarine (graisse de palme, eau, huile de colza, émulsifiant : mono - et diglycérides d'acides gras, acidifiant : acide citrique), _lactose_, protéines de _lait_, crème (contient _lait_), muscade, extraits de poivre, de muscade et de piment. Peut contenir des traces d'œufs, poissons, mollusques, crustacés, céleri, moutarde, soja et fruits à coque.

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