Why is Bisto Gravy Granules classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is considered ultra-processed because the ingredients are mostly refined starches, isolated fats and multiple flavour-enhancing compounds that are not used in traditional cooking; the list includes palm fat, maltodextrin, monosodium glutamate (E621), disodium 5'-ribonucleotides (E635), ammonia caramel colour (E150c), soy lecithin and a blend of flavourings, all of which are typical additives in highly industrial food products.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this gravy affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 12.2 g of sugar and 14.33 g of salt per 100 g, the product can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose for diabetics and provides far more sodium than the recommended daily limit, which may elevate blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk for hypertensive individuals.

Is the palm fat used in this product a concern for sustainability or for people with specific dietary restrictions?

The palm fat originates from palm oil, which raises environmental concerns due to deforestation and habitat loss; although it is vegan, it may be avoided by consumers seeking sustainably sourced ingredients or those following strict vegan certifications that ban palm oil.

BISTO • 450g

GRAVY GRANULES

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Bisto Gravy Granules are a 450 g pack of dehydrated gravy powder intended to be reconstituted with water to create a savory sauce. The product falls in the Fat and sauces / Dressings and sauces families, carries a NOVA 4 (ultra-processed) classification and lacks a Nutri-Score, delivering 397 kcal per 100 g with high levels of fat (16.3 g), saturated fat (11.2 g), salt (14.33 g) and sugars (12.2 g) alongside modest fiber (2.1 g) and protein (1.7 g). Its formulation includes palm fat, monosodium glutamate, flavour enhancers and ammonia caramel, which may be undesirable for low-salt, low-fat or environmentally conscious diets.

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal397 kcal

Fat16.3 g

Saturated Fat11.2 g

Carbohydrates59.8 g

Sugars12.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average dehydrated sauce, this gravy contains markedly more fat (16.3 g vs 12.0 g), saturated fat (11.2 g vs 2.1 g), salt (14.3 g vs 5.0 g) and sugars (12.2 g vs 11.0 g) per 100 g, delivering almost double the typical calories.

Ingredients

Potato Starch, Maltodextrin, Palm Fat, Salt, Wheat Flour (with added Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Colour (Ammonia Caramel), Sugar, Flavourings, Flavour Enhancers Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Black Pepper Extract, Rosemary Extract, Onion Oil Allergy Advice: For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold.

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