Why is 4 mini Gratins dauphinois classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labeled NOVA 4 because the formulation includes multiple industrial ingredients beyond the basic foods, such as thickeners (guar gum E412, xanthan gum E415), modified potato and tapioca starches, flavorings, and emulsifiers, which are typical of ultra‑processed products.

How does the saturated fat content in this gratin affect a heart‑healthy diet?

With 4.4 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the product contributes a high proportion of the recommended limit for saturated fats, so regular consumption may raise LDL cholesterol and should be limited for people following a heart‑healthy eating plan.

Is the milk used in this gratin a concern for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance?

Yes, the recipe contains cream, emmental cheese, whey and skimmed‑milk powder, all of which contain dairy proteins and lactose, making the product unsuitable for anyone allergic to milk or who is lactose intolerant.

Lidl, Toque Du Chef

4 mini Gratins dauphinois

Composite Foods

Product Insights

4 mini Gratins dauphinois are frozen, ready‑to‑heat miniature potato gratins produced by Lidl’s Toque Du Chef brand, made with pre‑cooked French potatoes, cream, cheese and a white sauce. Classified as a one‑dish meal, the product carries a Nutri‑Score of C and falls in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group, offering low added sugars, low salt and 3.7 g of protein per 100 g. However, it contains 6.7 g of fat with 4.4 g of saturated fat, uses several additives such as guar gum (E412) and xanthan gum (E415), and includes milk and egg allergens, which may be concerns for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal129 kcal

Fat6.7 g

Saturated Fat4.4 g

Carbohydrates13 g

Sugars2.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average frozen ready‑meal, this gratin has less sugar (2.9 g vs 3.57 g), markedly lower salt (0.59 g vs 3.55 g) and fewer calories (129 kcal vs 174 kcal), but its saturated fat (4.4 g) is more than double the category average of 1.94 g.

Ingredients

57% pommes de terre précuites (pommes de terre, sel), 14% crème (lait), eau, 7% emmental (lait), préparation pour sauce blanche (lactosérum (lait), fécule modifiée de pomme de terre et amidon modifié de manioc, lactose, sel, lait écrémé en poudre, épices), 1,4% jaune d'oeuf, fécule de pomme de terre, lactose et protéines de lait, arômes naturels, épaississants : gomme guar, ; gomme xanthane, ail déshydraté.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.