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

The product is labelled NOVA 4 because it combines multiple processed ingredients such as pre‑cooked chicken, seasoned merguez, refined semolina, and added stabilisers; the only listed additives are E300 (ascorbic acid, an antioxidant) and E451 (triphosphates, a texture stabiliser).

How does the salt content in this product affect a hypertensive diet?

With 0.82 g of salt per 100 g, the meal contains less sodium than many comparable ready meals, but it still contributes to daily salt intake and should be consumed in moderation by people managing high blood pressure.

Is Couscous Chicken and merguez suitable for a gluten‑free diet?

No, the product contains durum wheat semolina, which provides gluten, and therefore it is not appropriate for individuals requiring a gluten‑free diet.

U • 300 g

Couscous Poulet et merguez

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Couscous Chicken and merguez is a ready‑to‑heat one‑dish meal classified under the Composite foods and One‑dish meals families. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating a high level of processing, and contains additives E300 (ascorbic acid) and E451 (triphosphates). While it provides a decent amount of protein and low sugar, it includes allergens such as celery, gluten and possible trace milk, and its salt content, although lower than many similar meals, may still be a concern for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal114 kcal

Fat3.5 g

Saturated Fat0.8 g

Carbohydrates12 g

Sugars1.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average ready‑meal values, this couscous offers lower sugar, fat, saturated fat, salt and carbohydrates while delivering slightly higher protein and comparable fiber.

Ingredients

Semoule de BLÉ dur préparée 31% (eau, semoule de BLE dur, huile de tournesol, sel), viande de poulet saumurée précuite 20% (viande de poulet [origine: France] 20.5%, eau, sel), eau, carottes 8%, merguez 7%, (viande de dinde [origine: France], viande de mouton [origine: France], eau, épices et plantes aromatiques, sel, protéines de pois, arômes naturels, stabilisant: triphosphates, antioxydant: acide ascorbique ), navets 5%, courgettes 5%, poivrons rouges 3,5%, pois chiches 3%, concentré de tomates, huile de tournesol, épices et plantes aromatiques, amidon de maïs, amidon de manioc, sel, arômes naturels (dont CELERI). Traces éventuelles de lait. Traces éventuelles de lait.

84%

35%

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