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

The sausage combines many refined ingredients such as pea flour, pea protein and palm oil with three food additives: methylcellulose (E461) as a stabiliser, sodium alginate (E401) as a gelling agent, and sodium metabisulphite (E223) as a preservative, which together place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group.

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

With only 1.2 g of sugar per 100 g, the product is suitable for diabetic meal plans, but its 1.16 g of salt per 100 g is close to the average for similar foods and should be limited by individuals managing hypertension.

Is this product suitable for strict vegan and gluten‑free diets?

Yes, the sausage contains no animal-derived ingredients and no wheat‑based flours, making it both vegan and gluten‑free, although it does include mustard, which can be an allergen for some consumers.

Waitrose

Mushroom and Leek Sausages

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

Mushroom and Leek Sausages are a plant‑based meat analogue that belongs to the vegan and vegetarian protein category. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of A and a NOVA rating of 4, indicating it is classified as ultra‑processed despite its low sugar (1.2 g) and high fiber (5.8 g) per 100 g. It supplies 7.6 g of protein and 116 kcal while containing 1.16 g of salt and 3.2 g of fat, offering a relatively nutrient‑dense option but still contributing moderate salt and fat levels.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal116 kcal

Fat3.2 g

Saturated Fat1.2 g

Carbohydrates11.3 g

Sugars1.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average plant‑based sausages, this product has far lower sugar, fat and calorie content while its salt level is roughly in line with the category average.

Ingredients

Water, mushrooms (24%), leeks (12%), roasted onion, pea flour, pea protein, pea fibre, palm oil (certified sustainable), wholegrain mustard (water, mustard seeds, spirit vinegar, sea salt, cinnamon, pimento), pea starch, stabiliser (methylcellulose), porcini mushrooms, salt, yeast extract, leek powder, rice flour, gelling agent (sodium alginate), cracked black pepper, nutmeg, preservative (sodium metabisulphite)

84%

35%

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