Why is Crispy Chicken Breast Fillets classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is considered ultra-processed because the chicken is coated with a wheat-based breading, seasoned, enriched with rapeseed oil and undergoes multiple manufacturing steps such as binding and heat treatment; the only listed additives are E160c (paprika extract) for colour and E300 (ascorbic acid) as a flour-treatment agent.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The product contains only 0.4 g of sugars per 100 g, which is low and unlikely to cause a rapid blood‑glucose spike, while the salt level of 0.52 g per 100 g is moderate; nevertheless, people on strict low‑sodium diets should monitor their overall salt intake.

Is the wheat flour in this product a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, wheat flour and wheat gluten are present in the breaded coating, providing gluten, so the product is not safe for those who must avoid gluten.

TESCO

CRISPY CHICKEN BREAST FILLETS

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Crispy Chicken Breast Fillets are a ready to cook chicken product made with 68% chicken breast fillet and a breaded coating of wheat flour, spices and rapeseed oil, sold under the Tesco brand. They belong to the Meat PNNS group, provide 17.9 g of protein and only 0.4 g of sugars per 100 g, have a Nutri-Score of A, but the coating adds 7.2 g of fat, 1.2 g of saturated fat and 0.52 g of salt, and the product is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4). The formulation contains two additives, E160c (paprika extract) and E300 (ascorbic acid), and includes gluten, so it is not suitable for gluten-free diets, while the high processing level may concern consumers seeking minimally processed foods.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal186 kcal

Fat7.2 g

Saturated Fat1.2 g

Carbohydrates14.9 g

Sugars0.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical chicken breast products, this fillet has far fewer sugars and less fat, but its carbohydrate content is nearly three times higher due to the breaded coating.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast Fillet (68%), Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin], Water, Durum Wheat Semolina, Wheat Gluten, Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, Salt, Yeast, Cornflour, Sugar, Rapeseed Oil, Dextrose, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, White Pepper, Black Pepper, Sage, Colour (Paprika Extract), Flour Treatment Agent (Ascorbic Acid). Made using British and EU chicken. Allergy Advice

84%

35%

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