Why is Merlu Blanc Sauce Citron classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is placed in NOVA group 4 because the formulation relies on refined ingredients such as modified starches, refined rapeseed oil, and concentrated lemon juice, and it includes additives like natural fish‑derived flavorings (from fish, molluscs and crustaceans), xanthan gum (E415) as a thickener, and an unspecified additive coded E14xx, all typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the low sugar and salt content of this meal affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The product contains only 0.6 g of sugars per 100 g, which is far below the average for similar meals and helps limit blood‑glucose spikes for diabetics, while the 0.00175 g of salt per 100 g is essentially negligible, making it suitable for a low‑sodium diet for people with hypertension; however, the 14 g of carbohydrates still contribute to total carb intake and should be considered in overall meal planning.

Is the hake in this product a concern for people with fish allergies, and how does the presence of cream and butter affect those with dairy sensitivities?

Yes, the ingredient list includes hake (white hake fillet), which is a known fish allergen, and it also contains cream and butter, both dairy allergens, so the product is not safe for individuals who are allergic to fish or dairy.

William Saurin

Merlu Blanc Sauce Citron

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Merlu Blanc Sauce Citron is a microwave-ready one-dish meal that mixes pre-cooked rice, white hake fillet, carrots, mushrooms, courgettes and a lemon-flavored cream sauce. Classified in the Composite foods and One-dish meals groups, it earns a Nutri-Score of A, falls into NOVA group 4, and per 100 g provides 105 kcal, 2.8 g fat (1 g saturated), 0.6 g sugars, 0.6 g fiber, 5.7 g protein and 14 g carbohydrates. The product is ultra-processed, contains additives such as natural fish-derived flavorings, xanthan gum (E415) and an unidentified additive (E14xx), and includes dairy (cream, butter) and fish allergens, which may be undesirable for certain diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal105 kcal

Fat2.8 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates14 g

Sugars0.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average microwave rice dishes, this meal contains about one-third the sugar, less than half the fat and saturated fat, and far less salt, delivering roughly 40% fewer calories per 100 g.

Ingredients

Riz précuit 35%, pavé de MERLU blanc 25%, eau, carottes 7%, champignons de Paris 5,2%, courgettes 3,5%, CRÈME (3%), amidons modifiés, huile de colza, sel, BEURRE, jus de citron concentré 0,2%, arômes naturels (dont POISSON. MOLLUSQUES, CRUSTACÉS), épaississant: gomme xanthane, épices.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Merlu Blanc Sauce Citron.

William Saurin

320 g