Why is Merluzzo gratinato con pomodoro e basilico classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product combines whole cod with a tomato‑basil sauce, added salt and standard preservation agents, which moves it into the NOVA‑4 ultra‑processed category. It contains added salt, tomato puree, basil, citric acid as an acidity regulator, and sorbic acid (E202) as a preservative, while it does not include artificial colourings or flavours.

How does the salt and fat content in this product affect a hypertensive or heart‑healthy diet?

With 0.79 g of salt per 100 g, the product is low in sodium compared with many processed foods, but it still contributes to daily salt intake and should be limited for strict hypertension management. The total fat of 6.8 g, of which 0.9 g is saturated, is modestly above the average for lean fish and can fit within a balanced diet if total fat consumption is monitored.

Is the cod in this product a concern for people with fish allergies?

Yes, the primary ingredient is cod, a common fish allergen, so the product is unsuitable for anyone with a documented allergy to cod or other finned fish.

FRoSTA

Merluzzo gratinato con pomodoro e basilico

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Merluzzo gratinato con pomodoro e basilico is a frozen ready‑to‑heat cod fillet topped with a tomato‑basil sauce, produced by FRoSTA and marketed as sustainable seafood. It belongs to the “Fish, meat, eggs” PNNS group, carries a Nutri‑Score of A and is classified as a NOVA‑4 ultra‑processed product, offering 12 g of protein and low sugar but containing moderate fat (6.8 g) and salt (0.79 g per 100 g). While the high protein and MSC label are positives, the added sauce and preservatives increase processing level and the modest fat and salt levels are higher than typical fresh cod, so consumers should weigh these factors against their dietary goals.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal146 kcal

Fat6.8 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates8.8 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar seafood products, this cod dish contains less sugar (0.5 g vs 0.98 g) and far less salt (0.79 g vs 5.32 g), but its carbohydrate level (8.8 g) and total fat (6.8 g) are modestly above the category averages, while protein is lower (12 g vs 18 g).

Ingredients

Filetti di MERLUZZO d'Alaska (63%) Acqua Pangrattato (farina di FRUMENTO, lievito, sale) da pesca sostenibile certificata MSC a grana grossa per una gratinatura più croccante Olio di semi di girasole ottenuto per pressione dei semi, non per estrazione chimica Pomodori (5%) Olio extra vergine di oliva Basilico (1%)..... Pomodori secchi (1%) (pomodori, acqua, sale) Sale......... Amido di riso ... Succo di limone concentrato Pepe nero selezionati da FROSTA e provenienti esclusivamente da coltivazioni all'aperto in modo che possano maturare al sole ed essere particolarmente aromatici tritato fresco da foglie intere maturati al sole ed essiccati in modo da ottenere il caratteristico sapore tipico della cucina mediterranea senza agenti antiagglomeranti non modificato chimicamente ottenuto da limoni maturati al sole Può contenere tracce di orzo, avena, segale, grano, soia, latte, sedano e senape. Nonostante gli accurati controlli, consigliamo di prestare attenzione alla possibile presenza occasionale di spine. * maggiori informazioni: www.msc.org/it Zona di pesca: Oceano Pacifico Nord-Orientale (FAO 67) o Nord-Occidentale (FAO 61) Metodo di produzione: pescato. Attrezzo di pesca: reti da traino.

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