Why is Battered Fish classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labelled NOVA 4 because its core ingredient – Alaska pollock – is coated in a complex batter that includes refined wheat flour, starches, raising agents, dextrose, palm fat and several food‑grade additives; the listed additives are diphosphates (E450) and sodium carbonates (E500), which act as leavening agents, plus trace amounts of calcium carbonate, iron, niacin and thiamin used for fortification.

How does the high fat and carbohydrate content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The elevated fat (13.3 g) and carbohydrate (17.1 g) levels increase the overall energy load, which can raise blood glucose and caloric intake; however, the product contains very little sugar and only moderate salt (1.1 g), so it does not dramatically worsen blood pressure but should still be consumed in limited portions as part of a balanced diet for diabetes or hypertension management.

Is the mustard ingredient in this product a concern for people with mustard allergy?

Yes, mustard is listed among the allergens, and even a small amount can trigger reactions in mustard‑sensitive individuals, so anyone with a mustard allergy should avoid this battered fish.

Birds eye • 400g

Battered Fish

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

The product is a breaded, lightly fried Alaska pollock portion, belonging to the “Fish Meat Eggs” PNNS group and sold under the Birds Eye brand in the UK. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is placed in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed status due to the batter coating and several food‑grade additives such as diphosphates (E450) and sodium carbonates (E500). Nutritionally it offers 227 kcal per 100 g, with 13.3 g fat (including 1.2 g saturated fat) and 9.5 g protein, while sugar is low at 0.6 g but salt is moderate at 1.1 g, giving a mixed picture of modest protein and high energy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0.1 g

Fruits & Vegetables16.7 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical breaded fish products, this Battered Fish provides roughly twice the fat (13.3 g vs 6.6 g), markedly more carbohydrates (17.1 g vs 4.2 g) and almost double the calories (228 kcal vs 149 kcal), while delivering less protein (9.5 g vs 18 g), lower salt (1.1 g vs 5.3 g) and lower sugars (0.6 g vs 1.0 g).

Ingredients

Alaska Pollock (_Fish_) (48%), Batter Coating (Fortified _Wheat_ Flour (_Wheat_, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Starch (Potato, _Wheat_,), Flour (contains _Wheat_), Salt, Raising Agents (Diphosphates, Sodium Carbonates), Dextrose, Skimmed _Milk_ Powder, Palm Fat, _Mustard_, Natural Flavourings, Pepper Extract), Rapeseed Oil.

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.