Why is Merlu blanc & boulgour aux légumes Sauce citron classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

NOVA 4 groups foods that have undergone several industrial formulation steps and contain added substances such as stabilisers, emulsifiers or flavourings. This meal includes processed ingredients like pre‑cooked bulgur, a lemon sauce, and several additives: xanthan‑guar gums (thickening agents), rosemary extract (E392, antioxidant) and emulsifiers E412 (citric acid esters of mono‑ and diglycerides) and E415 (xanthan gum). These factors place the product in the ultra‑processed category.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this ready‑meal affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The meal is low in sugars at 1.3 g per 100 g, making it suitable for a diabetic diet that restricts simple carbohydrates. However, it contains 0.58 g of salt per 100 g, which is moderate; people managing hypertension should consider this amount within their total daily sodium intake and may need to balance it with lower‑salt side dishes.

Is the fish, gluten, or milk in this product a concern for common food allergies?

Yes. The primary protein source is white hake, which can trigger fish allergies. The bulgur includes wheat (gluten), and the sauce contains cream and skimmed milk powder, both of which are allergens for people with milk intolerance. The label also notes possible traces of egg and mustard, so individuals with those sensitivities should be cautious.

Carrefour • 300 g

Merlu blanc & boulgour aux légumes Sauce citron

Composite Foods

Product Insights

This ready‑meal from Carrefour combines 30 % white hake, 29 % pre‑cooked bulgur and vegetables in a lemon sauce, packaged in a plate for microwave reheating. It belongs to the Composite foods / One‑dish meals group, carries a Nutri‑Score of B and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), offering 7 g of protein and 2 g of fiber per 100 g while keeping sugars low at 1.3 g but containing 0.58 g of salt and 0.9 g of saturated fat. The formulation includes additives such as xanthan‑guar gums, rosemary extract (E392) and emulsifiers (E412, E415), and it is not suitable for vegans due to fish, milk and gluten ingredients.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal97 kcal

Fat3.4 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates8.6 g

Sugars1.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar ready‑meals, this dish contains markedly less sugar (1.3 g vs 3.57 g), fat (3.4 g vs 5.94 g), saturated fat (0.9 g vs 1.94 g) and salt (0.58 g vs 3.55 g) per 100 g, while delivering a comparable protein level.

Ingredients

Merlu blanc 30%, (_Poisson_ - Merluccius Gayi peruanus ou Merluccius productus), boulgour précuit 29% (_blé_ dur concassé, eau, sel), eau, courgette 10%, carotte 8,3%, jus de citron 2,6%, crème fraîche (contient _lait_), huile de colza, poudre de _lait_ écrémé, vinaigre d'alcool, ail en poudre, fécule de manioc, sel, épaississants : gomme xanthane et gomme guar, protéines de pois, protéines de _lait_, persil, piment doux, curcuma, poivre, antioxydant : extrait de romarin. Zone de pêche : FAO 67, 87. Peut contenir des traces d'œuf et de moutarde.

84%

35%

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