Why is Croquetas de pollo classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is rated NOVA 4 because it is a ready‑to‑eat prepared food that contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives. Its label lists dextrin (E1400), caramel colour (E150), potassium sorbate (E202), citric acid (E330), gelatin (E428) and methylcellulose (E461) together with stabilisers such as xanthan gum and guar gum, all typical of ultra‑processed items.

How does the sugar and salt content in Croquetas de pollo affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g, the product contributes little to total carbohydrate intake, but the 0.92 g of salt (moderate level) can add to daily sodium limits; therefore it may be acceptable in small portions for people with diabetes but should be limited for those managing hypertension.

Based on the ingredients, is Croquetas de pollo suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free diets?

No; it contains dairy (milk, butter), animal‑derived gelatin and chicken, so it is not vegan or halal without certification. The high carbohydrate level (17.1 g per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for a strict keto diet, and while no wheat flour is listed, the product may contain gluten traces, so it cannot be guaranteed gluten‑free.

Chef Select • 270 g

Croquetas de pollo

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Croquetas de pollo are breaded chicken croquettes sold by Lidl under the Chef Select brand, classified in the meat (Fish Meat Eggs) group of foods. They carry a Nutri‑Score of D and are placed in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with several additives such as dextrin, caramel colour, potassium sorbate, citric acid, gelatin and methylcellulose. Per 100 g they provide 250 kcal, 14.8 g fat (4.4 g saturated), 12.1 g protein, 17.1 g carbohydrates and 0.92 g salt, giving a high fat and carb load while offering modest protein and low sugars.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal250 kcal

Fat14.8 g

Saturated Fat4.4 g

Carbohydrates17.1 g

Sugars1.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar meat preparations, this product is higher in fat (14.8 g vs 12.4 g) and carbohydrates (17.1 g vs 5.2 g), lower in protein (12.1 g vs 19.9 g) and salt (0.92 g vs 3.2 g), and provides more calories (250 kcal vs 212 kcal per 100 g).

Ingredients

Leche, pollo (27,5%), rebozado [harina de arroz, dextrosa, sal, colorante (caramelo natural) y especias], agua, almidón, proteína y fibra vegetal, sal, maltodextrina, dextrina, estabilizantes (goma de xantana y goma guar), mantequilla, harina de arroz, almidones modificados, cebolla caramelizada [cebolla, azúcar moreno y corrector de la acidez (ácido cítrico)], gelatina, aceite de oliva, caldo y grasa de pollo, extracto de levadura, aromas naturales, azúcar, ajo, especias, conservador (sorbato potásico), estabilizante (metilcelulosa) y aceite de girasol. Puede contener trazas de gluten, sulfito, apio, pescado, moluscos y crustáceos.

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