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

The meal is considered ultra‑processed because it includes a range of industrial additives such as colour (E100), preservative sodium nitrite (E250), antioxidant sodium erythorbate (E316), acidity regulators (E330, E331, E331iii), rosemary extract (E392) and anti‑caking silicon dioxide (E551). These ingredients are added during manufacturing to improve shelf‑life, texture and appearance.

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

With 1.48 g of salt per 100 g, the product provides a moderate amount of sodium. For people managing high blood pressure, this contributes to daily salt intake and should be balanced with lower‑salt foods to stay within recommended limits of around 5 g of salt per day.

Is this Paella suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

No, the Paella contains animal ingredients such as prawns, pork sausage, pork fat, and chicken breast, so it is neither vegan nor vegetarian. The presence of pork means it is not halal unless specifically certified. Its carbohydrate‑rich rice base and added sugars make it unsuitable for a strict keto diet, while no gluten ingredients are declared, but the product is not officially labelled gluten‑free.

Tesco • 700g

Paella

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Tesco Paella is a ready‑made meal that belongs to the cereals and potatoes group of the PNNS classification. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting the presence of multiple additives such as colour (E100) and preservatives (E250). Nutritionally, it offers moderate protein (6 g) and low sugar (1.3 g) per 100 g but also contains a moderate amount of salt (1.48 g) and limited fiber (1.4 g), making it lower in energy than typical meals while providing fewer micronutrients.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal144 kcal

Fat3.4 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates21.5 g

Sugars1.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar meals, this Paella contains about one‑seventh the sugar, half the fat and roughly half the salt per 100 g, while also providing less protein and fiber than typical dishes.

Ingredients

Water, Long Grain Rice, Prawns (7%) [Prawns (Crustacean), Water, Salt, Acidity Regulator (Trisodium Citrate)], Peas. Tomato, Chorizo Pork Sausage (6%) [Pork, Pork Fat, Salt, Spices, Glucose Syrup, Dextrose, Antioxidants (Sodium Erythorbate, Extracts of Rosemary, Preservative (Sodium Nitrite), Potato Starch, Spice Extracts, Yeast Extract). Cooked Chicken Breast Pieces (5%). [Chicken Breast, Salt), Onion, Red Pepper, Glucose Syrup, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Tomato Powder, Modified Maize Starch, Flavouring, Herbs, Spices. Anti-caking Agent (Silicon Dioxide). Dextrose, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Fish Powder, Colour (Curcumin).

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