Why is Harissa paste classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product combines many processed components such as pureed red pepper, ground spices, added sugars, vinegars, rapeseed oil and a colourant, which places it in NOVA group 4; the only listed additive is E160c, a paprika extract used for colour.

How does the salt content in Harissa paste affect a hypertensive diet?

With 3.03 g of salt per 100 g, the paste contributes a notable amount of sodium that can raise blood pressure, so people managing hypertension should use it sparingly and account for it within their daily salt allowance.

Is Harissa paste suitable for a vegan diet?

All listed ingredients are plant‑derived and no animal products are mentioned, making the paste effectively vegan, although the additive status is labelled as “vegan‑status‑unknown,” so consumers seeking strict certification should verify the source of E160c.

Tesco • 90g

Harissa paste

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Harissa paste is a plant‑based condiment belonging to the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” groups, sold in a 90 g glass jar with a steel lid. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with added sugar, oil, vinegars and the colour additive E160c. Nutritionally it provides modest protein (1.8 g) and high fibre (3.2 g) while keeping fat (4.6 g), saturated fat (0.5 g), sugars (7 g) and salt (3.03 g) below typical condiment averages, though the salt level is still considered high.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal97 kcal

Fat4.6 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates10.5 g

Sugars7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average condiment, this Harissa paste contains less than half the fat (4.6 g vs 12.0 g), markedly lower saturated fat (0.5 g vs 2.1 g), about 40 % less sugar (7 g vs 10.9 g) and roughly 40 % less salt (3.0 g vs 5.0 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Red Pepper Purée (67%), Ground Spices (Smoked Paprika, Cumin Seed, Coriander Seed, Caraway Seed Black Pepper], Garlic Purée, Onion Purée, Sugar, Tomato Patte Salt, Rapeseed Oil, Balsamic Vinegar [Red Wine Vinegar, Grape Must, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Chilli Flakes (0.7%), Colour (Paprika Extract)

84%

35%

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