Why is Black Beans in water classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is rated NOVA 4 because, besides cooking and canning the beans, it includes a firming agent, calcium chloride (additive E 509), which is an industrial ingredient used to maintain bean texture, a hallmark of ultra‑processed foods.

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

With only 0.5 g of sugar and 0.01 g of salt per 100 g, the beans add minimal glucose or sodium to meals, making them a safe choice for people managing diabetes or high blood pressure when consumed in moderation.

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

The ingredient list (black beans, water, calcium chloride) is entirely plant‑based and contains no gluten, so it is suitable for vegan and gluten‑free diets; however, at 15 g of carbohydrates per 100 g it exceeds typical keto limits, and calcium chloride is generally permissible in halal food, making it acceptable for halal diets.

ASDA

Black Beans in water

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Black Beans in water is a canned legume product from ASDA, classified in the Legumes PNNS group and marketed as a plant‑based food. It carries a Nutri‑Score of A and belongs to NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed status due to the added firming agent calcium chloride (E 509). Nutritionally, the beans provide 7.5 g protein and 7.1 g fiber per 100 g with very low sugar (0.5 g), salt (0.01 g) and modest fat (6 g), although the processing level and additive may be concerns for clean‑label consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal110 kcal

Fat0.6 g

Saturated Fat0.1 g

Carbohydrates15 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar foods (4.09 g sugar, 15.16 g fat, 2.32 g salt per 100 g), this product delivers only 0.5 g sugar, 6 g fat and 0.01 g salt, while offering 7.1 g fiber and 7.5 g protein, making it markedly lower in sugar, fat and salt.

Ingredients

Black beans, water, firming agent (calcium chloride)

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Black Beans in water.

Freshona, Lidl

235g