Why is Tesco Pizza bases classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives are present in the recipe?

The product falls into NOVA 4 because it contains refined wheat flour, added oils, preservatives and several processing aids. The ingredient list includes potassium sorbate and calcium propionate as preservatives, disodium diphosphate, sodium bicarbonate and monocalcium phosphate as raising agents, and malic and citric acids as acidity regulators.

How does the salt and sugar content of these pizza bases affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 2.7 g of sugar per 100 g, the bases have a minimal impact on blood‑glucose levels, making them suitable for diabetic meal planning when paired with low‑sugar toppings. However, the salt level of 0.74 g per 100 g is moderate and can contribute significantly to daily sodium intake, so people with hypertension should limit the amount used.

Is this product suitable for vegan and gluten‑free diets?

All listed ingredients are plant‑derived, so the pizza bases are generally compatible with a vegan diet, although the calcium carbonate is marked as “maybe” vegan. The product contains wheat flour and wheat starch, which provide gluten, therefore it is not appropriate for a gluten‑free diet.

Tesco • 220 g

Pizza bases

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

Tesco Pizza bases are a plant‑based bakery product classified in the cereals and bakery family. They carry a Nutri‑Score of C and are placed in NOVA group 4, reflecting their ultra‑processed status and the presence of several additives such as potassium sorbate, calcium propionate, and raising agents. While the 220 g pack provides 8.1 g of protein and 2.8 g of fiber with low sugars, it is relatively high in salt (0.74 g per 100 g) and energy (318 kcal per 100 g), which may be a concern for those monitoring sodium intake.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal318 kcal

Fat8.9 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates49.9 g

Sugars2.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average bakery product, this pizza base contains far less sugar (2.7 g vs 10.1 g), fat (8.9 g vs 12.2 g) and salt (0.74 g vs 1.14 g), but delivers more protein (8.1 g vs 5.6 g), higher carbohydrates (49.9 g vs 30.5 g) and a greater energy content (318 kcal vs 249 kcal per 100 g).

Ingredients

Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin], Water, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Yeast, Dried Sourdough Durum Wheat (2%), Spirit Vinegar, Raising Agents (Disodium Diphosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Propionate), Salt, Acidity Regulators (Malic Acid, Citric Acid), Wheat Starch

84%

35%

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