Why is Cannelloni ricotta spinach and tomato sauce classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is deemed ultra-processed because the recipe relies on multiple industrially manufactured ingredients such as ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, wheat semolina, and pasteurised egg, all of which are combined with added stabilisers and acidity regulators; the label lists two additive codes – E330 (citric acid) and E14xx (a generic preservative/antioxidant), both typical of highly processed foods.

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

With 1.7 g of sugars and 0.6 g of salt per 100 g, the cannelloni is relatively low in sugar and moderate in salt, making it acceptable for controlled-carbohydrate plans but the salt level still contributes to daily sodium intake and should be considered by people managing hypertension.

Is the ricotta cheese in this product a concern for people with lactose intolerance?

Yes; ricotta, along with whey, milk and cream, contains lactose, so individuals with lactose intolerance may experience digestive discomfort and should avoid or substitute this product.

Picard • 350 g e

Cannelloni ricotta épinard et sauce tomate

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Cannelloni ricotta spinach and tomato sauce is a frozen vegetarian one-dish meal (PNNS group: One-dish meals) produced in Italy and sold by Picard. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and is classified in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category, offering a modest amount of vegetables and protein but also containing processed cheeses, egg and wheat gluten, a moderate level of saturated fat (4.4 g/100 g) and 0.6 g of salt per 100 g. While its sugar (1.7 g) and overall energy (≈132 kcal) are below the average for similar meals, the presence of allergens (eggs, milk, gluten) and added acidity regulator (E330) may be drawbacks for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal132 kcal

Fat7 g

Saturated Fat4.4 g

Carbohydrates11 g

Sugars1.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average frozen ready-made pasta dish (≈174 kcal, 5.9 g fat, 1.9 g saturated fat, 3.6 g salt, 3.6 g sugars per 100 g), this cannelloni provides lower energy, sugar and salt but a higher saturated-fat content.

Ingredients

Pulpe de tomate 27,9%, ricotta 19,2 % [lactosérum (_lait_), lait, crème de _lait_, sel, correcteur d'acidité : acide citrique], semoule de blé dur (_gluten_), eau, mascarpone 6 % (crème de _lait_, correcteur d'acidité : acide citrique), feuille d'épinard 6 %, oignon grillé, mozzarella 3,4 % (_lait_), fromage (contient _lait_), crème fraîche liquide (_lait_), _œuf_ entier liquide pasteurisé, concentré de tomate 1 %, huile de tournesol, basilic 0,6 %, sel, amidon transformé de maïs, miel, amidon transformé de riz.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.