Why is Savoury chicken flavour microwave rice classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labelled NOVA 4 because it combines many industrially processed ingredients such as maltodextrin, yeast extract, flavouring, dried onion, dried garlic, white pepper, dried sage and a stabiliser that uses guar gum (E412). These components are refined, extracted or hydrolysed, which moves the product into the ultra‑processed category.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 0.32 g of sugar per 100 g, the rice is suitable for a diabetic diet that requires low sugar intake. However, it contains 0.36 g of salt per 100 g, which is moderate; people monitoring sodium for hypertension should limit portion sizes or choose lower‑salt alternatives.

Based on its ingredient list, is this product suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free diets?

The formulation is fully vegan and contains no gluten‑containing grains, making it safe for both vegan and gluten‑free consumers. Its carbohydrate level (about 29 g per 100 g) is too high for a strict keto diet, and while the product is free from animal ingredients, halal certification is not indicated, so consumers relying on certification should verify with the manufacturer.

Lidl • 250 g

Savoury Chicken Flavour Microwave Rice

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Savoury chicken flavour microwave rice is a plant‑based, one‑dish meal that falls under the Composite foods and One‑dish meals categories. It earned a Nutri‑Score of B and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting an ultra‑processed formulation. The product provides low fat (1.44 g), low sugar (0.32 g) and modest salt (0.36 g) per 100 g, but its protein (2.64 g) and fiber (1.92 g) are below average for similar meals, and its energy density is relatively high at 288 kcal.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal144 kcal

Fat1.4 g

Saturated Fat0.2 g

Carbohydrates29.3 g

Sugars0.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar meals, this rice contains far less sugar (0.32 g vs 3.57 g), fat (1.44 g vs 5.94 g), saturated fat (0.24 g vs 1.94 g) and salt (0.36 g vs 3.55 g), but delivers more calories (288 kcal vs 174.58 kcal), higher carbohydrates (29.3 g vs 23 g), and lower protein (2.64 g vs 7.16 g).

Ingredients

86% cooked long grain rice (water, long grain rice), 3% sweetcorn, 3% red pepper, 3% carrots, chicken seasoning (maltodextrin, dried yeast extract, flavouring, dried onion, yeast extract, dried garlic, salt, white pepper, dried sage), sunflower oil, dried onion, yeast extract, stabiliser: guar gum, dried garlic, salt, ground black pepper, lidl typical values energy fat

84%

35%

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