Why is the Buddha bowl classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labeled NOVA 4 because many components are industrially prepared, such as pre‑cooked couscous, rehydrated legumes, and a vinaigrette made with refined avocado and colza oils. The only listed additive is E461 (methylcellulose), a thickening agent used in the dressing.

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

At 3.6 g of sugars per 100 g, the bowl provides a low to moderate amount of simple carbs, which has a limited impact on blood‑glucose spikes for most diabetics when consumed in reasonable portions. Its salt content is 0.6 g per 100 g, considerably lower than many ready‑made meals, making it a safer choice for people monitoring sodium intake, though it still contributes to daily totals.

Is the sesame in this Buddha bowl a concern for people with a sesame allergy?

Yes. Sesame seeds are present in the gomasio seasoning and are highlighted as an allergen, so individuals with a confirmed sesame allergy should avoid this product.

chef to go select • 310 g

Buddha bowl

Composite Foods

Product Insights

The product is a ready‑to‑eat Buddha bowl from Lidl, classified as a composite food (one‑dish meal) and certified vegan/vegetarian. It delivers 171 kcal per 100 g, with 12 g fat, 3.9 g protein, 3.6 g fiber and a Nutri‑Score of A, indicating a relatively favorable nutrient balance. However, it falls in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, contains gluten, lupin, mustard and sesame seeds, and its salt level of 0.6 g per 100 g is moderate, which may be a concern for sodium‑restricted diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal171 kcal

Fat12 g

Saturated Fat1.4 g

Carbohydrates10 g

Sugars3.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical prepared salads, this Buddha bowl contains markedly more fat (12 g vs 5.9 g) and fiber (3.6 g vs 2.1 g), while its sugar, salt and calorie levels are similar or lower, and it provides less protein and carbohydrates than the category average.

Ingredients

103 g de Couscous et légumineuses cuisinées (33,3%) : préparation précuite à base de blé dur et de lentilles, réhydratée 7% (eau, semoule de blé dur précuite, farine de lentilles, pois chiches cuits 6,6% (pois chiches, eau, sel), tomates 5,9%, gros pois 5,1%, semoule de blé dur réhydratée 5%, gomasio (graines de sésame complet, sel marin non raffiné), jeunes pousses épinard, plantes aromatiques, huile de colza, huile d'olive vierge extra, sel 70,5 g de Crudités et tomates cerise marinées (22,7%) : chou blanc 8% tomates cerise semi-déshydratées marinées 6,4% (tomates cerise semi-déshydra - tées 6,2%, huile de tournesol, sel, plantes aromatiques), radis, carottes. 59,5 g de salades mélangées (19,2%) : Laitue, chicorée et roquette 52 g de Boulettes à base de pois chiches, fèves et coriandre cuites (16,7%) : pois chiches précuits 9'5 (eau, pois chiches), fèves 2,5%, oignons pré-frits (oignons, huile de tournesol), huile d'olive vierge extra, huiles végétales (tournesol, colza), farine de blé coriandre 0,3%, persil, sel épices menthe douce, épaississant: méthylcellulose, aromate. 25 g de Vinaigrette à l'huile d'avocat et au citron (8,1%) : huile de colza. huile d'avocat 2%, moutarde de Dijon (eau, graines de moutarde, vinaigre d'alcool, sel), lus de, citron concentré 0,3%, sel herbes de Provence, poivre a Traces éventuelles de céleri, de lait, de mollusques, d'euf de poissons de soja, de fruits à coque et de lupin.

84%

35%

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