Why is Heinz Pea and Ham Soup classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The soup is considered ultra‑processed because it includes industrial ingredients such as modified cornflour, rapeseed oil, and a reconstituted ham mixture, and it lists food‑type additives E160a (beta‑carotene), E160ai (beta‑carotene), E339 (sodium phosphates) and E450 (polyphosphates), all of which are typical of highly processed foods.

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

With 2.3 g of sugar and 1.2 g of salt per 100 g, the soup provides relatively low sugar but a moderate amount of sodium; for people managing diabetes, the sugar level is modest, but the salt contribution can add up quickly when combined with other meals, making it less suitable for strict hypertensive diets.

Is the presence of pork in the reconstituted ham a concern for consumers avoiding pork for religious or allergenic reasons?

Yes, the soup contains reconstituted ham that includes pork (about 72 % of the ham component), so it is not appropriate for those who avoid pork for religious, cultural, or allergy‑related reasons.

Heinz • 400g

Pea And Ham Soup

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Heinz Pea and Ham Soup is a ready‑to‑heat, one‑dish meal that belongs to the Composite foods group and is classified as a pea‑and‑ham soup. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is placed in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product; per 100 g it provides 6.3 g of protein and low saturated fat (0.4 g) but also contains 1.2 g of salt and added sugars, along with several food additives. The soup lists allergens such as celery, gluten, milk and pork, which may require caution for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal127 kcal

Fat1.9 g

Saturated Fat0.4 g

Carbohydrates19.3 g

Sugars2.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average soup in its category, Heinz Pea and Ham Soup contains markedly less fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar, and provides slightly lower protein and fiber while delivering about 30 % fewer calories per 100 g.

Ingredients

Water, Split Green Peas (25%), Peas (6%), Onions (4%), Carrots, Reformed Ham (3%, Pork (72%), Water, Potato Starch, Salt, Dextrose, Stabiliser - Tri & Diphosphates), CELERY, Modified Cornflour, Cornflour, Salt, Rapeseed Oil, Flavouring (contains WHEAT, BARLEY), Sugar, Cream (MILK), Dried Skimmed MILK Powder, Smoke Flavouring (contains WHEAT), Stabilisers - Polyphosphates and Sodium Phosphates, Black Pepper, Colour - Beta Carotene

84%

35%

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