Why is 12 Pork Chipolatas classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product receives a NOVA 4 rating because it includes processed ingredients such as rice flour, potato starch, and multiple food additives that are not present in fresh meat; the label lists additives like calcium lactate (E327), sodium metabisulphite (E223), tetrasodium diphosphate and disodium diphosphate (E450 series), and paprika extract (E160c) which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in these chipolatas affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 0.6 g of sugar per 100 g, the chipolatas are low in sugar and thus have minimal impact on blood glucose levels for diabetics, but the 1.28 g of salt (moderate level) can contribute to increased sodium intake, which may raise blood pressure and should be limited for people managing hypertension.

Is this product suitable for strict diets such as gluten‑free, keto, halal, or vegan?

The chipolatas are certified gluten‑free, making them compatible with a gluten‑free diet; however, they contain 90 % pork, so they are not halal, vegan, or vegetarian, and the high fat content aligns with keto macronutrient ratios but the presence of pork excludes them from many religious or plant‑based dietary plans.

Tesco finest • 375 g

12 Pork Chipolatas

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

The Tesco Finest 12 Pork Chipolatas are a processed meat sausage made primarily of pork (90%) with water, rice flour, potato starch and a blend of seasonings, and they are labeled as gluten‑free. Nutritionally, they are high in fat (27.4 g) and saturated fat (9.9 g), contain moderate salt (1.28 g), low sugar (0.6 g), provide 16 g of protein and 1 g of fibre per 100 g, earning a Nutri‑Score of E and a NOVA 4 classification for ultra‑processed foods. While the product supplies a solid amount of protein and fibre, its high saturated fat, several food additives (E327, E223, E450, E160c) and overall ultra‑processed nature are clear drawbacks.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal333 kcal

Fat27.4 g

Saturated Fat9.9 g

Carbohydrates5 g

Sugars0.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar sausages, these chipolatas contain markedly more fat and saturated fat, less salt and sugar, and slightly less protein per 100 g.

Ingredients

Pork (90%), Water, Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Salt, Acidity Regulator (Calcium Lactate), White Pepper, Sage, Stabilisers (Tetrasodium Diphosphate, Disodium Diphosphate), Coriander, Preservative (Sodium Metabisulphite), Nutmeg, Dextrose, Bamboo Fibre, Caramelised Sugar Syrup, Colour (Paprika Extract). Filled into alginate casings

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.