Why is Vegan Falafel classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The product is assigned to NOVA group 4 because it combines several industrially processed ingredients such as refined wheat flour, vegetable oils, and a blend of spices, and it uses additives like sorbic acid (E200) as a preservative, citric acid (E330) for acidity control, and natural flavourings, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the salt content of Vegan Falafel impact a hypertensive or low‑sodium diet?

With 1.23 g of salt per 100 g, the falafel provides less sodium than many meat‑alternative products, but it still contributes to daily sodium intake and should be consumed in moderation by people managing hypertension or following a low‑sodium diet.

Is Vegan Falafel suitable for a vegan and gluten‑free diet?

The product is fully vegan, containing no animal‑derived ingredients, but it includes wheat flour and wheat fibre, which introduce gluten, making it unsuitable for a gluten‑free diet.

Lidl • 350g

Vegan Falafel

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Vegan Falafel is a plant‑based one‑dish meal classified under composite foods, marketed as a meat‑alternative and vegetarian ball. It carries a Nutri‑Score of A but belongs to NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that includes additives such as sorbic acid (E200) and citric acid (E330) and contains gluten from wheat flour. Nutritionally, the falafel provides 8.2 g of protein and 7.6 g of fiber per 100 g, with low sugar (1.9 g) and moderate salt (1.23 g), yet its fat (8.8 g) and energy (216 kcal) exceed typical values for similar alternatives.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal216 kcal

Fat8.8 g

Saturated Fat0.8 g

Carbohydrates22 g

Sugars1.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average meat‑alternative products, this vegan falafel contains less sugar (1.9 g vs 3.57 g) and less salt (1.23 g vs 3.55 g) but higher fat (8.8 g vs 5.94 g) and more calories (216 kcal vs 174.6 kcal).

Ingredients

68% Soaked Chickpeas (62% Chickpeas, Water), Courgette, Vegetable Oils in Varying Proportions (Sunflower, Rapeseed), Wheat Flour, Spinach, Spices (Cumin, Coriander Seeds, White Pepper), Onion, Garlic Purée, Parsley, Salt, Spirit Vinegar, Wheat Fibre, Acid: Citric Acid; Water, Preservative: Sorbic Acid; Natural Flavourings, Ferros Gluconate, Vitamin B12. For allergens, including Cereals Nutrition

84%

35%

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