Why is Pepperoni pizza classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The product combines many industrial ingredients such as refined wheat flour, processed cheese, and cured pork, and it includes additives like E160c (paprika extract for colour), E250 (sodium nitrite as a preservative), E301 (sodium ascorbate) and E392 (rosemary extract) that are typical of ultra‑processed foods, which is why it receives a NOVA 4 rating.

How does the salt content in this pizza affect a hypertensive diet?

At 0.51 g of salt per 100 g, the pizza contains less sodium than the average ready‑meal pizza, but it still contributes to daily salt intake; people with hypertension should limit portions and balance it with lower‑salt meals throughout the day.

Is the milk used in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses a problem for people with lactose intolerance?

Both the mozzarella and the mature cheddar contain milk, which provides lactose; individuals with lactose intolerance may experience symptoms even with the modest amount present, so the product is not suitable for a strict lactose‑free diet.

Tesco

Pepperoni pizza

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Pepperoni pizza is a composite food classified in the pizza pies and quiches group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and falls into NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product, with modest protein (7.2 g/100 g) and low sugar (1.8 g/100 g) but contains added salts, several preservatives and colorants, and allergens such as milk, pork and gluten. While it provides a convenient source of calories and protein, its processing level, added sodium nitrite and relatively high saturated fat (2.1 g/100 g) make it less suitable for health‑focused diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Added Sugars0.7 g

Fruits & Vegetables23.1 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal pizza, this pepperoni pizza delivers about 57 % less fat, 77 % less salt and roughly half the sugar per 100 g, while also providing lower energy and protein levels.

Ingredients

wheat flour [wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin], mozzarella full fat soft cheese (milk), tomato purée, pepperoni (16%) [pork, durum wheat semolina, salt, dextrose, paprika extract, cayenne pepper, antioxidants (extracts of rosemary, sodium ascorbate), garlic, paprika, pepper extract. preservative (sodium nitrite)], water, tomato, semolina (wheat). mature cheddar cheese (milk), rapeseed oil, yeast, sea salt. basil, malted wheat flour, lemon juice, cornflour, garlic purée. made using eu pork, allergy advice for allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. nutrition when cooked according to instructions typical values ri* for an per of a plzza 100g (139g) averag e adult

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Pepperoni pizza.

Ingredients