Why is Couscous Poulet et Merguez classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The product combines multiple processed components – cooked meat, pre‑cooked couscous, sauces and flavorings – and uses industrial techniques such as extrusion and seasoning, which place it in the NOVA 4 ultra‑processed category. Its additive list includes xanthan gum (E415) as a thickener, natural flavorings, dextrose, glucose syrup, and sulfite preservatives; these are typical of convenience meals.

How does the salt content of this couscous affect a hypertensive diet?

With 0.76 g of salt per 100 g, a standard 250 g serving provides about 1.9 g of salt, roughly 38 % of the WHO recommendation of 5 g per day. While lower than many ready meals, it still contributes a moderate amount, so individuals with hypertension should limit portion size or balance it with low‑salt foods elsewhere in the day.

Does the semolina in this couscous make it unsuitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes. The couscous base is made from durum wheat semolina, which contains gluten. Anyone with celiac disease or non‑celiac gluten sensitivity should avoid this product.

Carrefour • 440 g

Couscous Poulet et Merguez

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Couscous Poulet et Merguez is a ready‑to‑heat, one‑dish meal belonging to the Composite foods and One‑dish meals groups. It provides 7 g of protein and 1.4 g of fiber per 100 g, while keeping sugars low at 1.3 g, but its fat (7.1 g) and saturated fat (2 g) are above the average for similar meals and it contains a moderate 0.76 g of salt. Classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), the product includes additives such as xanthan gum, natural flavorings and sulfites, and lists allergens including celery, gluten and sulfites.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal139 kcal

Fat7.1 g

Saturated Fat2 g

Carbohydrates11 g

Sugars1.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical ready‑meal averages, this couscous contains less sugar (1.3 g vs 3.6 g), markedly lower salt (0.76 g vs 3.55 g) and fewer calories (139 kcal vs 175 kcal) per 100 g, but its fat content is higher (7.1 g vs 5.9 g) while protein and fiber are slightly below average.

Ingredients

Eau, légumes 25% en proportion variable (carotte, courgette, navet, pois chiches, céleri), haut de cuisse de poulet 20% (origine : France), semoule de blé dur de qualité supérieure 13%, merguez cuite 10% [viande de bovin (origine: France) 6,6%, viande d'ovin (origine: UE/non UE) 1,3%, eau, gras de bovin, gras d'ovin, épices et plante aromatique, sel, dextrose, sirop de glucose, arômes naturels, piment fort], double concentré de tomate, huile de tournesol, sel, épices et plante aromatique 0,4% (coriandre, curcuma, romarin, fenouil, fenugrec, cumin, piment fort, cannelle, poivre blanc), arôme naturel de paprika, épaississant: gomme xanthane. Contient des sulfites. Peut contenir des traces de lait, œufs, poissons, moutarde, crustacés, soja, graines de sésame, fruits à coques, mollusques.

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