Why is Sultana bran classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labelled NOVA 4 because the formulation includes added sugar, malted barley extract, a blend of fortified vitamins and minerals and flavourings, and the packaging notes mention possible hydrogenated fat; these processed ingredients place it in the ultra-processed category.

How does the high sugar content in Sultana bran affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 24 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control, while its low salt (0.28 g) is less of a concern for hypertension but the overall sweet profile outweighs any benefit.

Based on its ingredients, is Sultana bran suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten-free diets?

The product is fully vegan, contains no animal-derived ingredients, but it is not keto because of its high carbohydrate and sugar levels, it is not gluten-free due to wheat and wheat bran, and it meets typical halal criteria as no prohibited animal items are listed.

Asda • 550 g

Sultana bran

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Sultana bran is a plant-based breakfast cereal that falls under the "Cereals and potatoes" group, specifically the "Breakfast cereals" sub-category. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra-processed product, with a relatively low fat (2.1 g) and salt (0.28 g) content per 100 g but a high sugar level (24 g) and a strong fibre advantage (13 g). While the high fibre and absence of artificial colours are positive, the elevated sugar and its ultra-processed nature are nutritional drawbacks.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal351 kcal

Fat2.1 g

Saturated Fat0.3 g

Carbohydrates67 g

Sugars24 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Sultana bran contains far more sugar (24 g vs 14.13 g per 100 g) while providing less fat (2.1 g vs 8.97 g) and lower salt (0.28 g vs 1.77 g).

Ingredients

Whole Wheat (60%), Sultanas (25%) [Sultanas, Sunflower Oil], Wheat Bran (15%), Sugar, Malted Barley Extract, Salt, Vitamin and Minerals [Iron, Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Thiamin (B1), Vitamin B12, Folic Acid (B9), Vitamin B6, Riboflavin (B2)]. Allergy Advice! for allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May also contain nuts. NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS, FLAVOURS OR HYDROGENATED FAT. NUTRITION We suggest this product provides 13 servings Typical Values Per Per Per 40g serving with

84%

35%

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