Why is Middle Eastern Falafels classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and what specific additives does it contain?

They are made from cooked chickpeas, onion, and a seasoned wheat‑flour coating that undergoes mixing, forming, and refrigeration, which places them in the processed (NOVA 3) category; the only listed additive is sodium bicarbonate (E500 ii), used as a raising agent in the coating.

How does the sugar and salt content in Middle Eastern Falafels affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 3.8 g of sugar per 100 g, the falafels have a low glycaemic impact suitable for diabetes‑friendly meals, but the 1.3 g of salt per 100 g is moderate and may exceed recommended limits for people managing hypertension, so portion control is advised.

Is Middle Eastern Falafels suitable for vegan, keto, halal, and gluten‑free diets?

The product contains no animal‑derived ingredients, making it fully vegan and compatible with halal requirements, but it includes wheat flour and therefore gluten, so it is not gluten‑free, and its carbohydrate level from chickpeas and flour makes it unsuitable for a strict keto regimen.

Cauldron • 200 g

Middle Eastern Falafels

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

Middle Eastern Falafels are a plant‑based, legume‑rich product that falls into the Protein‑rich foods group of the PNNS classification. With a Nutri‑Score of A and a NOVA 3 status, they offer high fiber (11 g/100 g) and modest protein (7.6 g/100 g) while keeping sugars low, but contain moderate salt (1.3 g/100 g) and some fat. The formulation includes wheat flour, so it is not gluten‑free, and the only additive is sodium bicarbonate (E500 ii) used as a raising agent.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal221 kcal

Fat9.9 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates20 g

Sugars3.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average plant‑based meat alternative, these falafels provide almost three times the fiber (11 g vs 4.2 g) and more protein (7.6 g vs 5.6 g), while containing less than half the sugar (3.8 g vs 10.1 g) and about 15 % less energy, though their salt level (1.3 g) is slightly above the typical 1.1 g.

Ingredients

Chickpeas (62%), Onion (13%), Seasoning [Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron, Folic Acid, Thiamine), Salt, Sugar, Cumin, Coriander, Parsley, Black Pepper, Raising Agent: Sodium Bicarbonate], Rapeseed Oil, Breadcrumb Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron, Folic Acid, Thiamine), Salt, Yeast], Parsley, Coriander, Rowanberry Extract, Natural Flavouring, Garlic Purée.

84%

35%

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