Why is Red cabbage & apple classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The meal combines whole vegetables with processed components such as muscovado sugar, red‑currant jelly, and butter, and it includes additives like citric acid (E330), sodium citrate (E331), and pectin (E440) that act as acidity regulators and gelling agents, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group.

How does the sugar and salt content in Red cabbage & apple affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With roughly 12 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause notable blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while its 0.26 g of salt per 100 g is low compared with average microwave meals and therefore has a limited impact on hypertension when consumed in moderation.

Is the butter (milk) in this product a concern for people with dairy allergies?

Yes, the butter used in the recipe contains milk, and the ingredient list flags milk as an allergen, so anyone with dairy sensitivity should avoid this meal.

Tesco

Red cabbage & apple

Fruits And Vegetables

Product Insights

Red cabbage & apple is a ready‑to‑eat microwave meal classified in the fruits and vegetables food family. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and falls into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, offering low salt and modest calorie content but relatively high sugars (11.7 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (1.1 g per 100 g) while providing limited fiber and protein. The product contains milk‑derived butter, making it unsuitable for dairy‑allergic consumers, and includes several additives such as citric acid (E330) and pectin (E440).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal33 kcal

Energy140 kJ

Fat0.3 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical microwave meals, this dish contains about three times more sugars and over three times the saturated fat, while its salt and calorie levels are below average.

Ingredients

Red Cabbage (76%), Onion, Apple (13%), Redcurrant Jelly [Glucose-Fructose Syrup, er heating. Stir VEN 190°C/Fan 15 mins. in the centre Concentrated Redcurrant Juice, Gelling Agent (Pectins), Acidity Regulators (Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate)], Red Wine, Muscovado Sugar, Butter (Milk), Red Wine Vinegar, Cornflour, Salt, Black Pepper, Cinnamon Powder, Clove Powder. Allergy Advice For allergens, see ingredients in bold. VSuitable for vegetarians NUTRITION When microwave heated according to instructions Important All Typical values e are guidelines piping hot Energ Per 12 of a pack (143g) 100g

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.