Why is Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

NOVA 4 denotes foods that have undergone multiple industrial processes and contain added substances; this canned bean product includes modified maize starch, maltodextrin, and a colour additive (paprika extract, E160c) alongside other processed ingredients, which places it in the ultra‑processed category.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 3.9 g of sugar and 1.05 g of salt per 100 g, the product provides a modest amount of sugar that can fit into a controlled‑carbohydrate plan, while the salt is lower than many canned meals but should still be counted toward the daily limit for those managing hypertension.

Is this product suitable for a vegan diet?

All listed ingredients are plant‑derived, and the product carries a vegetarian label; although the sugar is marked "maybe vegan," it is generally considered vegan by most consumers because no animal‑derived components are present.

TESCO • 3 x 420 g

Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce

Composite Foods

Product Insights

The product is a canned, plant‑based baked bean meal (pnns_groups: Composite foods, One‑dish meals) sold by Tesco, containing haricot beans, tomato purée, and a modest amount of sugar and salt. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and is classified in Nova group 4, indicating it is an ultra‑processed food, with low total fat (0.4 g), low saturated fat (0.1 g), high fiber (4.6 g) and moderate protein (4.4 g) per 100 g. However, the product’s salt level (1.05 g/100 g) is relatively high compared with many canned bean dishes, and it includes the additive paprika extract (E160c) and maltodextrin, which some consumers may wish to avoid.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal84 kcal

Fat0.4 g

Saturated Fat0.1 g

Carbohydrates13.9 g

Sugars3.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average baked‑bean‑style product, this Tesco baked beans has markedly lower fat (0.4 g vs 5.95 g) and calories (84 kcal vs 175 kcal), but its sugar (3.9 g) is slightly above the category average and its salt (1.05 g) remains well below typical levels.

Ingredients

Haricot Beans (49%), Water, Tomato Purée (20%), Sugar, Modified Maize Starch, Salt, Onion Powder, Colour (Paprika Extract), Maltodextrin, Spice Extracts.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce.

TESCO