Why is Mini penne tomates mozza classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The NOVA system assigns group 4 to foods that undergo multiple industrial processes and contain additives; this salad includes citric acid (E330) as an acidity regulator, xanthan gum (E415) as a thickener, and a microbial coagulant used in the mozzarella, all of which are characteristic of ultra‑processed items.

How does the salt content in this product affect a hypertensive diet?

With 0.81 g of salt per 100 g (equivalent to about 0.33 g of sodium), the salad contributes roughly 13 % of the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum daily salt intake of 5 g, making it a moderate source that should be accounted for in a blood‑pressure‑controlled eating plan.

Is the mozzarella in this product a concern for lactose‑intolerant individuals?

Yes; the mozzarella is made from pasteurised cow’s milk, which naturally contains lactose. While the cheese may have lower lactose than fresh milk, it can still trigger symptoms in people with lactose intolerance, so they should consume it with caution or choose a dairy‑free alternative.

Monoprix • 180 g

Mini penne tomates mozza

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Mini penne tomates mozza is a ready‑to‑eat vegetarian pasta salad sold by Monoprix, classified in the Composite foods – one‑dish meals group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and belongs to NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that includes additives such as citric acid (E330) and xanthan gum (E415). Nutritionally, the salad provides 200 kcal, 6.1 g protein and 1.7 g fiber per 100 g, but its fat (8.9 g) and saturated fat (2.1 g) exceed the category average, while sugar (1.4 g) and salt (0.81 g) are lower; it also contains allergens like milk, eggs, gluten, mustard, sesame and traces of fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal200 kcal

Fat8.9 g

Saturated Fat2.1 g

Carbohydrates23 g

Sugars1.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average prepared pasta salad (23 g carbs, 5.94 g fat, 1.94 g saturated fat, 3.55 g salt, 3.57 g sugars, 7.16 g protein), this product is lower in sugar (1.4 g) and salt (0.81 g) but higher in total fat (8.9 g) and saturated fat (2.1 g) while delivering slightly less protein (6.1 g).

Ingredients

Pâtes alimentaires mini penne aux ceufs cuites 60,9% (eau, semoule de blé dur de qualité supérieure, œufs 3,4%) - mozzarella 11,1% (lait de vache pasteurisé, sel, correcteur d'acidité : acide citrique, coagulant microbien) - tomates 7,4% - huile de colza - huile d'olive vierge extra - jeunes pousses d'épinards émincées - tomates semi-déshydratées marinées 2,7% (tomate semi-déshydratée, huile de tournesol, sel, plantes aromatiques) - eau - basilic 2,1% - vinaigre balsamique (vinaigre de vin, moût de raisin cuit) - vinaigre d'alcool-sel - jus de citron concentré - huile de tournesol - moutarde de Dijon (eau, graines de moutarde, vinaigre d'alcool, sel) - épaississant: gomme xanthane - poivre blanc. Traces d'autres céréales contenant du gluten, de soja, de poissons, de fruits à coque, de graines de sésame, de crustacés, de mollusques et de céleri.

84%

35%

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