Why is BBQ No Chicken Smash Burgers classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The patty is made from multiple isolated plant ingredients, includes a thickener and several processed fibers, and is formulated with methyl cellulose (E461) as a texture‑aid; the combination of many refined components and the use of such food‑grade hydrocolloid places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and salt content in BBQ No Chicken Smash Burgers affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 6 g of sugar per 100 g, the burgers can raise blood glucose levels faster than most meat analogues, and the 1.53 g of salt exceeds the typical 1.38 g average, which may contribute to higher blood pressure, so they should be consumed sparingly by people managing diabetes or hypertension.

Is the soy protein in this burger a concern for people with soy allergies or for sustainability?

The product contains 9 % soy protein and 7 % soy protein isolate, so it is unsuitable for anyone allergic to soy, and while soy has a lower environmental impact than animal meat, large‑scale soy cultivation can be linked to deforestation, which may be a sustainability consideration.

Aldi, Plant Menu • 227 g

BBQ No Chicken Smash Burgers

Meat Alternatives

Product Insights

BBQ No Chicken Smash Burgers by Plant Menu (Aldi) are vegan, plant‑based patties designed as a meat‑free alternative to chicken burgers, classified under the plant‑based protein family (PNNS group: not specified). They deliver 15.5 g of protein and 8.4 g of fiber per 100 g with low saturated fat (0.5 g) and a Nutri‑Score of A, but also contain 6 g of sugars and 1.53 g of salt, which is higher than the average for meat analogues, and they fall into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. The EcoScore is C and the only listed additive is methyl cellulose (E461), reflecting a balanced nutritional profile but a relatively high level of processing.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal188 kcal

Fat6.4 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates13 g

Sugars6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical meat‑analogue patties, this burger contains less total fat (6.4 g vs 9.4 g) and saturated fat (0.5 g vs 1.6 g), but considerably more sugar (6 g vs 2 g) and salt (1.53 g vs 1.38 g), while offering higher protein (15.5 g vs 15.1 g) and double the fiber (8.4 g vs 4.0 g).

Ingredients

Water, SOYA PROTEIN (9%), SOYA PROTEIN ISOLATE (7%), Rapeseed Oil, Spring Onions, Chicory Root Fibre, Wheat Gluten, Thickener. Methyl Cellulose; Bamboo Fibre, Wheat Starch, Flavouring, Coriander, Red Jalapeño Pepper, Brown Sugar (Sugar, Cane Molasses), Salt, Garlic Granules, Yeast Extract, Smoked Paprika, Ground Black Pepper, Onion, Smoked Salt, Roasted Mushrooms, Tomato Paste, Ground Cayenne Pepper, Mushroom Paste [Water, Mushroom Concentrate, Yeast Extract, Salt, Dried Mushrooms, Sugar, Flavouring, Cornflour]), Ground Ginger, Garlic Purée, Sundried Tomato Paste (Water, Sunflower Oil, Sundried Tomatoes, White Wine Vinegar, Garlic Powder, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Dried Basil, Dried Rosemary), Vegetable Stock Paste (Water, Salt, Yeast Extract, Carrot Juice Concentrate, Onions, Onion Concentrate, Carrot, Leeks, Sugar, Potato Flake, Leek Juice Concentrate, Mushroom Concentrate, Cornflour, Dried Thyme, Ground White Pepper, Ground Bay Leaves), Cornflour, Thyme, Porcini Mushroom Powder.

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