Why is Butter Beans in Water classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labeled NOVA 4 because the beans are canned, heated to sterilise the product and include added ingredients that are not present in the raw bean; the only additives listed are the antioxidant ascorbic acid (E300) and the firming agent calcium chloride (E509).

How does the sugar and salt content in Butter Beans in Water affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 0.6 g of sugar and 0.03 g of salt per 100 g, the product adds minimal glucose or sodium, making it generally suitable for diabetic and blood-pressure-controlled diets when consumed in standard portions.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like Vegan, Keto, Halal, or Gluten-Free?

The ingredient list contains only plant-derived components, so the product is vegan, gluten-free and compatible with Halal requirements, but its carbohydrate level (18.9 g per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for a strict keto regimen.

Essential Waitrose

Butter Beans in Water

Fruits And Vegetables

Product Insights

Butter Beans in Water, a canned specialty from Essential Waitrose, consists of butter (lima) beans, water, an antioxidant (ascorbic acid) and a firming agent (calcium chloride) and is placed in the fruits and vegetables group. Per 100 g it delivers 110 kcal, 0.7 g fat, 0.1 g saturated fat, 0.6 g sugars, 0.03 g salt, 6.2 g fiber and 7.8 g protein, earning a Nutri-Score of A and showing a favorable low-fat, low-sugar, low-salt profile with high fiber and protein. Nevertheless, it is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) because of the canning process and the inclusion of two additives, which may be a drawback for consumers seeking minimally processed foods.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal110 kcal

Fat0.7 g

Saturated Fat0.1 g

Trans Fat0 g

Monounsaturated Fat0.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average canned legume, which contains 3.62 g sugars, 1.39 g fat, 0.31 g saturated fat, 0.73 g salt, 4.11 g fiber and 3.84 g protein per 100 g, this Butter Beans in Water has markedly lower sugars, fat, saturated fat and salt while providing substantially more fiber and protein.

Ingredients

Butter beans, water, antioxidant (ascorbic acid), firming agent (calcium chloride)

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Butter Beans in Water.

Napolina

400g