Why does chickpeas in water have a Nutri‑Score of A and what does the NOVA 1 classification mean?

The product receives a Nutri‑Score of A because it is low in fat, saturated fat, sugars and salt while providing a good amount of protein and fiber, resulting in a favourable overall nutrient profile; NOVA 1 indicates that the ingredients are minimally processed, essentially just chickpeas, water and a small antioxidant, with no extensive industrial processing.

How does the low sugar and salt content of this product affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The very low sugar (0.5 g per 100 g) has minimal impact on blood glucose levels, making it suitable for diabetic diets, and the low salt (0.04 g per 100 g) helps keep sodium intake low, which is beneficial for managing hypertension.

Is the antioxidant ascorbic acid used in this product a concern for individuals with allergies or health conditions?

Ascorbic acid is vitamin C, a common food-grade antioxidant that is not a known allergen; it is generally safe for most people, though very high supplemental doses can cause gastrointestinal irritation, which is not an issue at the small levels used in this canned product.

Waitrose • 400 g

chickpeas in water

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Chickpeas in water is a canned legume product sold by Waitrose, composed of chickpeas, water and a modest addition of ascorbic acid, and it falls under the Legumes category of the PNNS dietary classification. With 6.6 g of protein, 6 g of fiber, only 2.4 g of fat, 0.5 g of sugars and 0.04 g of salt per 100 g, it provides 118 kcal of energy, earns a Nutri‑Score of A and a NOVA 1 rating, indicating minimal processing. The presence of a single additive (ascorbic acid) and the use of a metal can mean some packaging waste, so it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and the can recycled after use.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal118 kcal

Fat2.4 g

Saturated Fat0.3 g

Carbohydrates14.5 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average values for similar foods, this canned chickpea contains far less fat, saturated fat, sugar, salt and calories, but also provides roughly half the protein and slightly less fiber than the typical product.

Ingredients

Chickpeas, water, antioxidant (ascorbic acid)

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about chickpeas in water.

Waitrose

410g