Why is Mexican Inspired Rice classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

NOVA 4 products are made mostly from industrial ingredients and contain additives that enhance flavour, colour or shelf‑life. Mexican Inspired Rice includes the colour additives E100 (curcumin) and E160c (paprika extract) as well as flavourings, which places it in the ultra‑processed category.

How does the sugar and salt content of this product affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The rice dish is low in both sugar (1.4 g per 100 g) and salt (0.25 g per 100 g), making it a relatively safe choice for diabetics and those managing blood pressure, though it still contributes some carbohydrates and sodium that should be counted within the overall daily intake.

Is Mexican Inspired Rice suitable for strict vegan, gluten‑free, or keto diets?

The product is certified vegan and contains no wheat, barley or rye, so it is gluten‑free. However, with about 28 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, it is too high in carbs to fit a keto diet.

Tesco • 250 g

Mexican Inspired Rice

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Mexican Inspired Rice is a plant‑based rice dish that falls under the Cereal and Potato food group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B, offering low levels of fat (2.5 g), saturated fat (0.4 g), sugars (1.4 g) and salt (0.25 g per 100 g, about 150 kcal), with moderate protein (3.3 g) and fiber (1.8 g). However, it is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed product and contains additives such as E100 (curcumin), E160c (paprika extract) and flavourings, which may be a concern for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal150 kcal

Fat2.5 g

Saturated Fat0.4 g

Carbohydrates27.8 g

Sugars1.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar rice‑based meals, this product provides roughly half the calories (150 kcal vs 353 kcal), less than half the fat (2.5 g vs 6.9 g), markedly lower sugar (1.4 g vs 9 g) and salt (0.25 g vs 3 g), but also supplies less fiber and protein than the category averages.

Ingredients

Cooked Long Grain Rice 81% (Water, Long Grain Rice), Red Pepper 6%. Tomato Purée 4%, Sunflower Oil, Tomato, Sugar, Lemon Juice, Water, Yeast Extract Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Colours (Paprika Extract, Curcumin), Cumin. Flavourings, Salt, Jalapeño Chilli, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper.

84%

35%

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