Why are Breaded Chicken Nuggets classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives do they contain?

They are made from processed meat, a breaded coating, added sugars and flavorings; the formulation includes natural flavourings, dextrose and added salt, which together meet the criteria for an ultra-processed food, even though no separate food additives are listed.

How does the sugar and salt content of these nuggets affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 0.5 g of sugar per 100 g, the product adds minimal glucose load, but the 0.77 g of salt contributes about 30% of the recommended daily maximum, so it should be consumed in moderation by people monitoring blood sugar or blood pressure.

Is the wheat flour used in the breadcrumbs a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes; wheat flour and breadcrumbs provide gluten, making the nuggets unsuitable for anyone following a gluten-free or celiac diet.

Red Hen

Breaded Chicken Nuggets

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Breaded Chicken Nuggets are a cooked chicken product made mainly from chicken breast meat, breadcrumbs and a blend of wheat flour, rapeseed oil and seasonings. They belong to the Meat group (pnns_groups_1), carry a Nutri-Score of C and are classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), offering 12 g of protein, 12 g of fat and 1.2 g of fiber per 100 g while containing only 0.5 g of sugars but 0.77 g of salt. The product lists gluten and milk as allergens, provides no vegan alternative, and its protein content is lower than typical chicken nuggets, which may limit its suitability for high-protein diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal220 kcal

Energy929 kJ

Fat4.4 g

Saturated Fat0.7 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average values for similar chicken products, these nuggets have markedly lower sugar (0.5 g vs 2.15 g) and salt (0.77 g vs 3.21 g), slightly less total fat (12 g vs 12.38 g), but also considerably less protein (12 g vs 19.9 g).

Ingredients

60% Chicken Breast Meat, Breadcrumbs, (Wheat Flour, Yeast, Salt), Wheat Flour, Water, Rapeseed Oil, Pea Fibre, Starch (Pea, Tapioca), Dextrose, Salt, Natural Flavourings, Skimmed Milk Powder, Paprika. Allergy Advice

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Breaded Chicken Nuggets.

Sainsbury's