Why is Macaroni boulettes SAUCE TOMATE classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is rated NOVA 4 because it combines many industrially processed components such as maltodextrin, natural flavourings, sunflower oil, meat extracts, starches and refined wheat flour, and it is packaged in a protective gas atmosphere and multiple plastics. Although no formal additives are listed, ingredients like maltodextrin and natural flavourings are considered processing aids, which together raise the processing level to ultra‑processed.

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

With 2.4 g of sugars per 100 g, the product adds a modest amount of carbohydrates, which can fit into a controlled‑carb plan for diabetics but still requires monitoring. The salt level of 0.48 g per 100 g is relatively low compared with many ready meals, making it a safer choice for people with hypertension, though individuals on strict low‑sodium diets should still account for it in their total daily intake.

Is the lactose present in the flavored poultry fond a concern for people with lactose intolerance?

Yes. The flavored poultry fond includes lactose, which can trigger symptoms in lactose‑intolerant individuals. Those who avoid dairy should consider an alternative product or verify that the amount (approximately 0.2 % of the total weight) fits within their personal tolerance threshold.

Carrefour • 280 g

Macaroni boulettes SAUCE TOMATE

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Macaroni boulettes SAUCE TOMATE is a ready‑to‑heat one‑dish meal (PNNS groups: Composite foods, One‑dish meals) that combines cooked pasta, a tomato‑based sauce and beef meatballs. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature, while its nutrition per 100 g shows moderate fat (4.7 g), low sugars (2.4 g), moderate salt (0.48 g) and a decent protein level (6.5 g). The product contains gluten and milk allergens, includes honey (non‑vegan) and lactose in the flavored poultry fond, and may have traces of celery, fish, mustard, soy, crustaceans, sesame and sulfites.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal151 kcal

Fat4.7 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates20 g

Sugars2.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal in its category, this pasta‑meatball dish provides lower fat, saturated fat, sugar, salt, calories and carbohydrates, while its protein and fiber are slightly below the category averages.

Ingredients

Pâtes cuites 46% (eau, semoule de _blé_ dur de qualité supérieure), boulettes à base d'une préparation de viande bovine cuite 14% [viande bovine 9% (origine : France), blanc d'_'_, eau, chapelure (farine de _blé_, sel), fond de boeuf (viande et jus de cuisson de viande bovine, sel), fécule de pomme de terre, oignons, bouillon de légumes (légumes et jus de cuisson de légumes (carottes, tomates, oignons, ail), huile de tournesol, sel), bouillon de boeuf, sel, huile de tournesol], pulpe de tomate au jus 13% (tomate, jus de tomate), eau, oignon, double concentré de tomate 3,8%, huile de tournesol, arôme naturel de paprika, basilic, fond de volaille aromatisé (maltodextrine, arômes naturels, graisse de volaille, viande de volaille, sel, fécule de pomme de terre, _lactose_, extrait d'oignon), amidon de maïs, miel, sel, ail en poudre. La viande bovine entrant dans la composition du produit est d'origine France. Peut contenir des traces de céleri, poisson, moutarde, sulfites, soja, crustacés, graines de sésame, fruits à coques, mollusque.

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