Why is Mexicana Salsa classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The sauce undergoes extensive processing and includes several food‑technology ingredients, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. Its additive list features xanthan gum (E415) as a thickener, citric acid (E330) for acidity, calcium chloride (E509) as a firming agent, generic flavorings (E14xx), and modified starch, all of which are typical of highly processed sauces.

How do the sugar and salt levels in Mexicana Salsa affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 19 g of sugars per 100 g, the salsa can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic meal plans unless used in very small amounts. Its 2.5 g of salt per 100 g contributes significantly to daily sodium intake, which may raise blood pressure, so hypertensive individuals should limit consumption.

Is the jalapeño chili in this salsa a concern for people with capsicum sensitivity or nightshade intolerance?

Yes, jalapeño chili belongs to the capsicum family and can provoke irritation or allergic reactions in capsicum‑sensitive individuals. Additionally, the sauce contains tomato puree and tomato cubes, both nightshade vegetables, so anyone avoiding nightshades should avoid this product.

Maggi • 500ml

Mexicana Salsa

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Mexicana Salsa is a Mexican‑style hot sauce produced by Maggi in Germany and sold in a 500 ml glass bottle. It belongs to the Dressings and sauces group, carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), containing 2.5 g of salt and 19 g of sugars per 100 g while being low in fat and saturated fat and providing a modest 1.4 g of fiber. The sauce’s low fat content is a positive aspect, but its high sugar and salt levels, together with additives such as xanthan gum, citric acid, calcium chloride and flavorings, and the presence of celery and milk traces, make it less suitable for low‑sodium, low‑sugar or allergen‑restricted diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal98 kcal

Fat0.2 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates22 g

Sugars19 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average hot sauces, Mexicana Salsa has considerably more sugar (19 g vs 10.95 g) and carbohydrates (33 g vs 16.35 g) but far less fat (1 g vs 12.01 g), saturated fat (0 g vs 2.14 g), salt (2.5 g vs 5.02 g), calories (98 kcal vs 183 kcal) and protein (0.01 g vs 2.1 g).

Ingredients

35 % Tomatenmark, Zucker, Branntweinessig, Trinkwasser, 7,5 % Tomatenwürfel, 6 % Paprika, Zwiebeln, 2,9% Jalapeño-Chili, 2,5% Tomatensaft, modifizierte Stärke, Jodsalz, Rote-Bete - Saftkonzentrat, Aromen, Gewürze, Verdickungsmittel Xanthan, Säuerungsmittel Citronensäure, Festigungsmittel Calciumchlorid

84%

35%

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