Why is Dirty rice classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product combines multiple refined components such as cooked rice, bean purées, oil and a blend of spices, and it includes a food‑grade stabiliser (guar gum, listed as additive E412) along with yeast extract powders; this level of industrial formulation places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the salt content in Dirty rice impact a hypertensive diet?

With 0.41 g of salt per 100 g, the dish contributes a moderate amount of sodium; while it is far lower than the 3.55 g average for similar meals, regular consumption can add up, so people with high blood pressure should monitor portion size to stay within recommended daily sodium limits.

Is Dirty rice suitable for vegan, gluten‑free and keto dietary patterns?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, making the product vegan and naturally gluten‑free, but its carbohydrate level (28.4 g per 100 g) is too high for a keto regimen, so it fits vegan and gluten‑free diets but not keto.

Aldi • 250 g

Dirty rice

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Dirty rice is a ready‑to‑eat one‑dish meal from Aldi that combines cooked long‑grain rice, black beans and a mix of red, yellow and green bell peppers, seasoned with sunflower oil, yeast extracts and a range of spices. It is classified as a composite food (PNNS group), carries a Nutri‑Score of B, and falls into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting its use of refined ingredients and additives such as guar gum (E412). Per 100 g it provides 146 kcal, 4.5 g protein and 1.8 g fiber while keeping fat (1.3 g) and sugars (1.6 g) low, but it contains 0.41 g salt, which is a moderate level.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal146 kcal

Fat1.3 g

Saturated Fat0.3 g

Carbohydrates28.4 g

Sugars1.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal, Dirty rice is lower in fat, saturated fat, sugars, salt and calories, but it provides higher carbohydrate content and less protein and fiber.

Ingredients

COOKED LONG GRAIN RICE (77%) (Water, Long Grain Rice), COOKED BLACK BEANS (7%) (Water, Black Beans), DICED RED BELL PEPPER (39%), DICED YELLOW BELL PEPPER (3%), Onion, DICED GREEN BELL PEPPER (296), Sunflower Oil, Yeast Extract, Yeast Extract Powder, Sugar, Onion Powder, Glucose Syrup, Molasses Syrup, Dried Parsley, Salt, Water, Smoked Salt, Garlic Powder, Stabiliser. Guar Gum; Tomato Purée, Red Pepper Juice, Chili Rakes, Smoked Paprika Powder, Chilli Powder, Garlic Purée Onion Extract, Chipotle Chilli Powder, Paprika Powder, Green Jalapeno Powder, White Wine Vinegar, Ground Black Pepper, Ground White Pepper, Coriander Powder, Ground Allspice, Fennel Powder, Garlic Extract.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Dirty rice.

Ingredients