Why is Vegetal Merguez classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Vegetal Merguez falls in NOVA group 4 because it is made from isolated plant proteins, refined sunflower oil, and a vegetable casing that require several industrial processing steps, and because it contains food additives. The label lists the additives E267 (buffered vinegar preservative), E404 (calcium alginate used as a gelling agent for the casing) and E461 (tricalcium phosphate used as a stabiliser), as well as natural flavourings that may contain mustard.

Is Vegetal Merguez suitable for a vegan diet?

The product is labelled vegetarian and all listed ingredients are plant-based; however the status of the natural flavouring is not confirmed and could contain trace animal-derived components, so it cannot be guaranteed vegan, only vegetarian.

Is the wheat protein (gluten) in this product a concern for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance?

Yes, the sausage contains wheat protein (11.1% of the formulation) and is declared to contain gluten, so it is not safe for anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Marque Repère • 200g

Merguez végétal

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Vegetal Merguez is a plant-based sausage marketed as a vegetarian alternative to traditional merguez and is classified in the processed-meat group. It carries a Nutri-Score of A and is placed in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting its low sugar (1.2 g/100 g) and saturated fat (1.9 g/100 g) but moderate salt (0.95 g/100 g) and the presence of additives such as E267, E404 and E461. The sausage provides a high protein content (14 g/100 g) and an unusually high fiber level (4.3 g/100 g) for a meat-style product, yet it contains gluten, mustard and traces of soy, which may be problematic for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal238 kcal

Fat17 g

Saturated Fat1.9 g

Carbohydrates5.2 g

Sugars1.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average processed-meat product, this vegetarian merguez contains less sugar (1.2 g vs 1.56 g), markedly lower salt (0.95 g vs 3.52 g) and saturated fat (1.9 g vs 6.78 g), while offering much more fiber (4.3 g vs 0.2 g) and a respectable protein level (14 g vs 18.4 g).

Ingredients

Eau; huile de tournesol; I protéines de blé 11,1%; fibres végétales (dont blé); protéines de pois 3,9%; enveloppe végétale (gélifiant: alginate de calcium); arômes naturels (contient moutarde); stabilisant: E461; épices; conservateur: vinaigre tamponné; dextrose ; sel; jus de betterave concentré ; ail déshydraté; sirop de sucre caramélisé ; extrait d'orge maltée; extrait de malt d'orge; poudre de betterave rouge; oignon déshydraté ; jus concentré d'acérola. Traces de : soja.

84%

35%

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