Why is Mexican style grains classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The dish combines several processed components such as chilli paste, Roquito sauce and a thickener, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category; the only listed additive is E415 (xanthan gum), used as a stabiliser, along with minor seasonings like onion salt.

How does the sugar and salt content in Mexican style grains affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 3.5 g of sugar and 1.28 g of salt per 100 g, the product contributes a moderate amount of sugar that could raise blood glucose levels and a salt level that is lower than average but still significant for hypertension, so it should be consumed in controlled portions by people managing these conditions.

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

The formulation is entirely plant‑based and contains no wheat or gluten ingredients, making it suitable for vegan and gluten‑free diets, but its high carbohydrate content (30 g per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for a ketogenic eating plan.

Merchant Gourmet • 250g

Mexican style grains

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Mexican style grains is a vegan, one‑dish meal that falls under the Composite foods and One‑dish meals categories. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), reflecting the presence of processed sauces and additives such as xanthan gum. The product provides moderate protein and fiber with low saturated fat, but it contains relatively high salt and added sugars, which offset some of its nutritional strengths.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal164 kcal

Fat2.6 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates30 g

Sugars3.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average meals, this product is markedly lower in fat, saturated fat, salt and calories, slightly lower in sugars, higher in carbohydrates and fiber, but provides less protein than typical offerings.

Ingredients

Cooked Long-Grain Rice (43%) (Water, Long-Grain Rice), Sweetcorn (18%), Cooked Red Quinoa (17%) (Water, Red Quinoa), Adzuki Beans (8%), Chilli Paste (Sugar, Red Pepper Juice, Molasses, Tomato Purée, Water, Salt, Jalapeño Powder, Smoked Paprika Powder, Onion Salt, White Wine Vinegar, Cayenne Powder, Garlic Salt), Roquito Sauce (Red Roquito® Jalapeño Peppers, Red Bell Peppers, Sugar, Cane Vinegar, Tomato Paste, Vegetable Oil (contains Sunflower Oil and/ or Rapeseed Oil), Garlic, Thickener: Xanthan Gum, Onion, Ginger), Olive Oil, Salt, Chilli Flakes, Smoked Paprika.

84%

35%

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