Why is Italian Tuna Pasta Salad in a basil dressing classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labeled NOVA 4 because it includes multiple processed ingredients such as egg‑white powder, sunflower oil, spirit vinegar, modified corn starch, and a thickener (guar gum, listed as additive E412). These industrially prepared components, together with the combination of several sauces and seasonings, place it in the ultra‑processed category.

How does the salt content in this salad affect a hypertensive diet?

At 1 g of salt per 100 g, the salad provides about 400 mg of sodium, which is lower than the average ready‑meal but still contributes to daily sodium intake. People managing high blood pressure should consume it in moderation and balance it with lower‑salt meals throughout the day.

Is the presence of fish and egg in this product a concern for common food allergies?

Yes. The ingredient list includes skipjack tuna (fish) and egg‑white powder, both recognized allergens. Consumers with fish or egg allergies should avoid this salad, as the allergens are clearly declared on the label.

John West • 220g

Italian Tuna Pasta Salad in a basil dressing

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Italian Tuna Pasta Salad in a basil dressing is a ready‑to‑eat composite meal that combines pasta, skipjack tuna, tomatoes, yellow peppers, grilled aubergine and a herb‑infused basil dressing. It belongs to the Composite foods and One‑dish meals groups, carries a Nutri‑Score of B and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating it is ultra‑processed. Per 100 g it provides 7.3 g protein and 1.3 g fiber while remaining low in fat (2.9 g), saturated fat (0.4 g) and sugars (2.2 g), but it contains 1 g of salt and allergens such as fish and egg, which may be problematic for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal102 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical ready‑meal averages, this salad contains about half the fat (2.9 g vs 5.9 g), less than a third the saturated fat (0.4 g vs 1.9 g), roughly one‑third the sugar (2.2 g vs 3.6 g), a third of the salt (1 g vs 3.5 g), provides slightly more protein (7.3 g vs 7.2 g) and delivers only 101 kcal per 100 g versus the average 175 kcal.

Ingredients

Pasta (Water, Durum Wheat Semolina, Egg White Powder) (25%), Skipjack Tuna (Fish) (18%), Tomatoes (15%), Yellow Peppers (13%), Grilled Aubergines (10%), Onions (9%), Sunflower Oil, Spirit Vinegar, Garlic, Salt, Red Chilli Puree, Provençal Herbs, Basil, Modified Corn Starch, Dried Onions, Thickener: Guar Gum, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Natural Basil Flavouring

84%

35%

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