Why is the Buddha bowl classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product falls into NOVA 4 because it includes several industrially processed ingredients such as pre‑cooked chickpeas, refined wheat flour, vegetable oils, and a thickening agent (methylcellulose, E461). These components are typical of ultra‑processed foods, even though the overall formulation remains vegan.

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

With only 2.4 g of sugars and 0.52 g of salt per 100 g, the bowl is low in both sugar and sodium, which is favorable for diabetic and hypertensive individuals. However, the relatively high fat (11 g) and modest protein (3.8 g) mean it should be balanced with other low‑fat, high‑protein foods to maintain overall dietary control.

Is the sesame in the gomasio a concern for people with a sesame allergy?

Yes. The gomasio seasoning includes whole sesame seeds, which are a known allergen, so anyone with a sesame allergy should avoid this Buddha bowl.

Carrefour • 310 g

Buddha bowl

Composite Foods

Product Insights

The Buddha bowl is a ready‑to‑eat composite salad that combines mixed greens, chickpea‑based preparations, vegetables, semolina and an avocado‑lemon dressing. It is certified vegan and carries a Nutri‑Score of A, but the ingredient list places it in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product. While it provides 4 g of fiber and only 2.4 g of sugars per 100 g, its fat content (11 g) exceeds the average for similar meals and it supplies modest protein (3.8 g) with several declared allergens such as gluten, mustard and sesame.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal161 kcal

Fat11 g

Saturated Fat1.1 g

Carbohydrates9.7 g

Sugars2.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average prepared salads, this Buddha bowl contains markedly more fat (11 g vs 5.94 g) but considerably less sugar (2.4 g vs 3.57 g), salt (0.52 g vs 3.55 g), carbohydrates and protein.

Ingredients

_Salade composée_ 92% : Salades mélangées 19,1% (laitue, chicorée, roquette), préparations à base de pois chiches, fèves, coriandre et menthe, cuites 16,7% [pois chiches précuits 10% (eau, pois chiches), fèves 2,8%, huiles végétales (contient colza et tournesol en proportion variable), oignons, farine de _blé_, coriandre 0,3%, plante aromatique, sel, épices, menthe 0,1%, épaississant : méthylcellulose, ail déshydraté], chou blanc 8%, pois chiches cuits 6,6% (pois chiches, eau, sel), tomates cerises semi-déshydratées marinées 6,4% (tomates cerises semi-déshydratées 6,2%, huile de tournesol, sel, plantes aromatiques), semoule de _blé_ dur 6,3%, tomates 5,9%, eau, petits pois cuits 5,1%, radis 4,1%, carottes 4,1%, gomasio (_graines de sésame_ complet, sel), jeunes pousses d'épinard émincées, huile d'olive vierge extra, huile de colza, menthe douce 0,4%, cumin, coriandre, sel. Sauce à l'huile d'avocat et au citron 8% : huile de colza, huile d'avocat 2%, _moutarde_ de Dijon (eau, graines de _moutarde_, vinaigre d'alcool, sel), jus de citron concentré 0,3%, sel, herbes de Provence, poivre. Peut contenir des traces d'autres céréales contenant du gluten, lait, céleri, poisson, œuf, soja, mollusques, crustacés et fruits à coque.

84%

35%

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