Why is MSC classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and what specific additives does it contain?

MSC is a canned fish product that undergoes cooking, removal of bones, and packaging in tomato sauce, which places it in NOVA group 3. The ingredient list shows only sardines, spring water and sea salt, so no food additives are declared.

How does the salt and saturated‑fat content in MSC affect a hypertensive or heart‑healthy diet?

The product contains only 0.24 g of salt per 100 g, far below the typical canned fish average, making it suitable for low‑salt diets, but its saturated‑fat amount of 2.1 g exceeds the category average and should be considered by individuals managing cholesterol levels.

Is the fish ingredient in MSC a concern for people with seafood allergies?

Yes, sardines are a fish species and the label lists fish as an allergen; anyone with a fish or seafood allergy should avoid this product, although it does not contain other common allergens such as gluten or dairy.

Essential Waitrose, Waitrose • 84g

Sardines in spring water

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

MSC is a canned pilchard (sardine) in tomato sauce marketed by Waitrose, belonging to the fish and seafood group. It earns a Nutri‑Score of A and falls in NOVA group 3, offering 21.8 g of protein per 100 g with low sugars and low salt, while its fat is moderate (6.5 g) and saturated fat (2.1 g) is above the average for similar products. The product is high in omega‑3, contains the fish allergen, and is presented in a steel can, but the modest saturated fat level and the fact that it is a processed canned food are potential drawbacks for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal179 kcal

Fat10 g

Saturated Fat3.4 g

Omega 3 Fat3 g

Carbohydrates0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar canned seafood, MSC provides similar total fat (6.5 g vs 6.62 g) and energy (147 kcal vs 149 kcal), markedly lower salt (0.24 g vs 5.32 g), higher protein (21.8 g vs 18.05 g), and a higher saturated‑fat content (2.1 g vs 1.32 g).

Ingredients

Sardines (Sardina pilchardus) (fish), spring water, sea salt

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Sardines in spring water.

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