Why is vegetarian chicken pesto burgers classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Because the product combines rehydrated textured soy and wheat protein with refined starches, coconut‑oil cheese analogues and multiple stabilisers, it meets the criteria for ultra‑processed foods; the listed additives are carrageenan (E407), guar gum (E412), methyl cellulose (E461), lactic acid (E270), sodium lactate (E325) and carotenes (E160a).

How do the sugar and salt levels in these burgers affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The sugar content is only 0.1 g per 100 g, which is negligible for diabetes management, but the salt at 1.1 g per 100 g contributes to daily sodium intake and should be limited by those with hypertension, especially when consuming multiple servings.

Is the soy protein in this product a concern for people with soy allergy?

Yes, soy protein is a major ingredient and is listed as an allergen, so anyone with a soy allergy should avoid these burgers.

Linda McCartney's • 227 g

vegetarian chicken pesto burgers

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

The vegetarian chicken pesto burgers are a plant-based protein spread marketed as vegan and gluten-free, featuring 17.6 g of protein and 5.9 g of fiber per 100 g. They earn a Nutri-Score of A and belong to the protein foods group, but the product is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and contains six additives such as carrageenan, guar gum, methyl cellulose, lactic acid, sodium lactate and carotenes. While the low sugar (0.1 g) and modest fat (10.4 g) levels are positive, the presence of wheat gluten and soy makes it unsuitable for gluten-sensitive or soy-allergic consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal194 kcal

Fat10.4 g

Saturated Fat2.4 g

Carbohydrates4.4 g

Sugars0.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average plant-based food, this burger spread provides far less sugar (0.1 g vs 10.1 g), slightly lower fat (10.4 g vs 12.19 g) and salt (1.1 g vs 1.14 g), and delivers about three times more protein (17.6 g vs 5.6 g).

Ingredients

Rehydrated textured SOYA and WHEAT protein (65%) (water, SOYA protein, WHEAT gluten, salt, SOYA bean oil, natural flavouring), water, coconut oil based alternative to cheddar (8%) (water, coconut oil, modified potato starch, maize starch, gluten free OAT fibre, modified maize starch, thickeners: carrageenan, guar gum; salt, yeast extract, natural flavourings, acidity regulators: lactic acid, sodium lactate; colour: carotenes), rapeseed oil, basil (5%), SOYA protein concentrate, stabiliser: methyl cellulose; rice flour, salt, yeast extract, onion powder, natural flavouring, garlic powder, black pepper.

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35%

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