Why is Mackerel in Spicy Tomato Sauce classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and which ingredients trigger this classification?

The product is labelled NOVA 3 because the whole fish is cooked, combined with added ingredients such as tomato purée, sugar, spirit vinegar, salt and spices, and then sealed in a metal can; these processing steps and additives move it beyond a simple raw ingredient to a processed food.

How do the sugar (4.8 g) and salt (0.63 g) levels in this canned mackerel influence dietary management for people with diabetes or hypertension?

The sugar content contributes modestly to daily carbohydrate intake, so it should be counted in a controlled‑carb meal plan for diabetes, while the salt level is relatively low compared with many processed foods, making it a more suitable option for hypertension when consumed in moderation.

Is the mackerel in this product harvested from sustainable fisheries, and what certification confirms this?

Yes, the fish is sourced from a sustainable fishery; the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) label on the packaging confirms that the mackerel meets internationally recognised sustainability standards.

Tesco • 125 g

Mackerel in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Mackerel in Spicy Tomato Sauce is a canned fish product belonging to the fish and seafood group, featuring sustainably sourced Atlantic mackerel certified by the MSC. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C (score 3) and a NOVA rating of 3, indicating a processed food with added ingredients such as tomato purée, sugar, vinegar and spices. The 100 g portion provides high protein (about 15 g) and moderate fat (11 g) with a relatively low sugar level (4.8 g) but moderate salt (0.63 g), offering a balanced nutritional profile while still containing added sugar and a notable fat content.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal181 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average canned seafood, this mackerel contains more fat (11.2 g vs 6.6 g) and significantly more sugar (4.8 g vs 1 g), while delivering slightly higher calories (181 kcal vs 149 kcal) and considerably less salt (0.63 g vs 5.3 g).

Ingredients

mackerel (65%) , tomato purée, sugar, spirit vinegar, salt, cayenne pepper, fennel, aniseed, cumin

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Mackerel in Spicy Tomato Sauce.

TESCO

125 g

Mackerel in tomato sauce

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The Fishmonger

125 g

Mackerel in tomato sauce

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Nixe

125g

Mackrel Fillets in spicy tomato sauce

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Sainsbury's

Mackerel Fillets in Spicy Tomato Sauce

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Waitrose

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Nixe

125g

Mackerel

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Tesco • 125 g

Mackerel in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal181 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Ingredients

mackerel (65%) , tomato purée, sugar, spirit vinegar, salt, cayenne pepper, fennel, aniseed, cumin

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.