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

The sausages receive a NOVA 4 label because they are made from processed meat and contain several technological additives, including triphosphates (E451) as a stabiliser, sodium metabisulphite (E223) as a preservative, sodium ascorbate (E301) as an antioxidant, and a small amount of dextrose for sweetness.

How might the fat, saturated fat and salt levels in these sausages affect someone with high cholesterol or hypertension?

The high total fat (21 g) and saturated fat (7.5 g) can raise LDL cholesterol, while the 1.1 g of salt per 100 g may increase blood pressure; therefore, people with cholesterol or hypertension should consume these sausages only occasionally and balance them with low‑fat, low‑salt foods.

Are these sausages suitable for a gluten‑free, low‑carb or keto diet, and what dietary restrictions should be considered?

They are gluten‑free and contain few carbohydrates, making them compatible with low‑carb or keto plans, but they are not suitable for vegetarian, vegan or halal diets because the main ingredient is pork, and the presence of additives like triphosphates and sodium metabisulphite may be undesirable for those avoiding food additives.

Co-op Irresistible • 400 g

Cumberland Sausages

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Cumberland Sausages are a UK‑produced, pork‑based processed meat product packaged in a cardboard box with a plastic tray and labelled as No Gluten and RSPCA Assured. They deliver a high protein content (12.8 g per 100 g) but also contain elevated levels of total fat (21 g) and saturated fat (7.5 g), a moderate amount of salt (1.1 g) and very low sugars (1.2 g), resulting in a Nutri‑Score of D and a NOVA 4 classification for ultra‑processed foods. The formulation includes several additives such as triphosphates (E451), sodium metabisulphite (E223) and sodium ascorbate (E301), and while it is gluten‑free, it is not suitable for vegetarian, vegan or halal diets due to the pork ingredient.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables0.2 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average values for similar sausages, this product has lower sugar (1.2 g vs 1.56 g) and salt (1.1 g vs 3.52 g) but higher fat (21 g vs 18.58 g), higher saturated fat (7.5 g vs 6.78 g) and less protein (12.8 g vs 18.39 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Pork (88%), Water, Rice Flour, Gram Flour, Salt, Onion Powder, Parsley, Black Pepper, Stabiliser (Triphosphates), Nutmeg, Mace, Maize Starch, Coriander, Marjoram, Preservative (Sodium metabisulphite), Dextrose, Antioxidant (Sodium ascorbate), White Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Thyme, Sage.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Cumberland Sausages.

Sainsburys