Why is Pilau Microwave Rice classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product combines cooked rice with vegetable oil, dried onion, turmeric extract (E100), yeast extract, spices and a savoury seasoning that includes water, rapeseed oil, salt, white wine vinegar, flavouring and a small amount of sugar, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods and place it in NOVA group 4.

How does the salt content in Pilau Microwave Rice affect a hypertensive diet?

With 0.51 g of salt per 100 g (1.3 g per 250 g serving), the rice contributes roughly 5 % of the World Health Organization's recommended maximum daily intake of 5 g, so it should be consumed in moderation by people managing high blood pressure.

Is Pilau Microwave Rice suitable for strict vegan and gluten‑free diets?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, making the product vegan, and none contain gluten; however, as the rice is processed in a facility that may handle wheat, cross‑contamination cannot be completely ruled out for strict gluten‑free requirements.

Lidl • 250 g

Pilau Microwave Rice

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Pilau Microwave Rice is a ready‑to‑heat basmati‑style rice dish marketed by Lidl and belongs to the "Cereals and potatoes" food group. Nutritionally it provides 370 kcal per 250 g serving, 8 g protein, 5 g fiber, 72 g carbohydrates and 4.5 g fat, with 0 g sugars and 1.3 g salt; it carries a Nutri‑Score of C, is labelled vegan, and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product. While the rice offers plant‑based protein and no added sugars, the moderate salt level and the inclusion of oil and flavorings contribute to its less favourable health rating.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal137 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical cereal products, this rice contains far less sugar (0 g vs 9 g/100 g), about one‑quarter the fat (1.8 g vs 6.9 g), roughly one‑sixth the salt (0.51 g vs 2.96 g), but also provides less protein (3.2 g vs 9.8 g) and fewer carbohydrates (28.8 g vs 64 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

95% Cooked Long Grain Rice (Water, Long Grain Rice), Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Oil or Rapeseed Oil), Dried Onion, Salt, Turmeric Extract, Yeast Extract, Cumin Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Savoury Seasoning (Water, Dried Yeast Extract, Rapeseed Oil, Salt, Dried Onion, White Wine Vinegar, Flavouring, Sugar, Dried Garlic, Coarse Ground Black Pepper), Ground Cinnamon, Flavouring.

84%

35%

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