Why is Gratin d'Endives au Jambon & à l'emmental classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is deemed ultra-processed because its ingredients include industrially added components such as dextrose (added sugar), sodium nitrite (preservative, E250) and sodium ascorbate (antioxidant, E301); a third additive, E428, a modified starch used as a thickener, is also listed. These ingredients are typical of foods that undergo extensive formulation beyond simple cooking.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this gratin affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 2.7 g of sugar and 0.73 g of salt per 100 g, the product contains relatively low sugar and modest salt compared with many ready meals. For diabetics the sugar amount is unlikely to cause a spike if consumed in normal portion sizes, while hypertensive individuals will find the salt content well below the average for similar dishes, though overall daily intake should still be monitored.

Is the pork ham in this product suitable for consumers who avoid pork for religious or dietary reasons?

The ham used is made from pork, and the formulation also includes pork gelatin, making the gratin unsuitable for those who avoid pork for halal, kosher, or vegetarian reasons.

Fleury Michon • 280 g

Gratin d'Endives au Jambon & à l'emmental

Composite Foods

Product Insights

This French refrigerated gratin combines 40 % Belgian endives, 14 % quality cooked ham, creamy dairy and cheese, and is sold in a 280 g tray ready for microwave heating. It belongs to the "One-dish meals" PNNS group, carries a Nutri-Score of C and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), reflecting the presence of added sugars, sodium nitrite and sodium ascorbate among its three listed additives. Nutritionally it provides 7.4 g protein per 100 g and modest sugar (2.7 g) and salt (0.73 g), but its saturated fat (4 g) exceeds the category average and it contains allergens eggs, gluten and milk.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal117 kcal

Fat6.9 g

Saturated Fat4 g

Carbohydrates6 g

Sugars2.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average prepared meal (fat 5.9 g, saturated fat 1.9 g, sugar 3.6 g, salt 3.6 g per 100 g), this gratin is higher in total and saturated fat, lower in sugar and markedly lower in salt.

Ingredients

Endives 40%, jambon cuit de qualité choix 14% [jambon de porc, dextrose, sel, bouillons (eau, os de porc, viande de porc, épices) ; antioxydant : ascorbate de sodium ; conservateur : nitrite de sodium], eau, _crème_ fraîche 12%, _emmental_ 5.7%, crème de riz, farine de _blé_, poudre de _lait_ écrémé, jaune d'_oeufs_, gélatine de porc, sel, huile de colza, épices.

84%

35%

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