Why is Beef cheek classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product receives a NOVA 4 rating because it combines whole meat with several processed components such as dextrose, potato starch, sunflower and rapeseed oils, and a pre‑mixed beer sauce that includes malted barley, wheat malt and oat flakes. Although no formal food additives are listed, the presence of these refined ingredients and the complex preparation steps qualify it as ultra‑processed.

How does the salt content in Beef cheek affect a hypertensive diet?

At 0.91 g of salt per 100 g, the product provides a moderate amount of sodium. For individuals managing high blood pressure, this contributes to daily sodium intake and should be balanced with lower‑salt foods throughout the day to stay within recommended limits.

Is the barley malt in Beef cheek a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes. Barley malt, listed as part of the beer sauce, contains gluten. Even though the product only contains trace amounts, it may trigger reactions in those with celiac disease or non‑celiac gluten sensitivity, so it is not suitable for a strict gluten‑free diet.

Bigard • 400 g

Joue de boeuf

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Beef cheek is a meat product marketed in France, classified as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed item with a Nutri-Score of C. It provides 21 g of protein per 100 g while containing only 0.7 g of sugars, 4.4 g of fat and 0.91 g of salt, which are lower than typical meat averages, but it also includes added dextrose, potato starch, and a beer‑based sauce that contribute to processing. Trace amounts of gluten from barley malt are present, making it unsuitable for strict gluten‑free diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal126 kcal

Fat4.4 g

Saturated Fat1.8 g

Carbohydrates0.7 g

Sugars0.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average meat products, this beef cheek contains less sugar, fat, saturated fat, salt and energy, yet offers higher protein content per 100 g.

Ingredients

viande de boeuf 69% (Origine France), eau, fécule de pomme de terre, dextrose, huiles de tournesol et/ou colza, sel, poivre. Dosette Jus Carbonade (15%) : eau, bière 18% *(eau, malt d'orge, malt de blé, flocon d'avoine, houblon, levures, sucre), oignon préfrit (oignon, huiles de tournesol et/ou colza), extrait de bœuf, fécule de pomme de terre, cassonade, sel, ail, poivre noir, thym. *Pourcentage exprimé sur la dosette. Traces éventuelles de lait, œuf, poisson, moutarde, céleri.

84%

35%

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