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

The product undergoes several processing steps, including oil soaking, pimento paste preparation and the use of food‑grade additives such as citric acid (E330), sodium alginate (E401), guar gum (E412), calcium chloride (E509) and ferrous gluconate (E579), which together give it a NOVA 4 rating.

How does the sugar and salt content in Mixed Olives affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Added sugars are negligible at about 0.045 g per 100 g, so the product has minimal impact on blood glucose, but the olives are brined and contain a significant amount of sodium, which can be a concern for people managing hypertension.

Is the mature cheddar cheese in Mixed Olives a concern for people with a milk allergy?

Yes, the mature cheddar cheese provides dairy protein and is listed as containing milk, so the product is not suitable for individuals who are allergic to milk.

Tesco

Mixed Olives

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Mixed Olives is a salty‑snack product that combines green and black olives with mature cheddar cheese, pimento paste and rapeseed oil. It belongs to the PNNS “Salty snacks” group, carries a NOVA 4 classification indicating ultra‑processed status, and does not have a Nutri‑Score assigned. Nutritionally, it provides 16.4 g of fat, 3 g of protein and only 0.04 g of added sugars per 100 g, but the presence of cheese introduces dairy allergens and the brine adds a notable amount of salt.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal171 kcal

Fat16.4 g

Carbohydrates1.3 g

Proteins3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average salty‑snack, Mixed Olives contains less fat (16.4 g vs 18.9 g) and far lower added sugars (0.045 g vs 2.63 g), while its salt level is typical of brined olives and may be comparable or higher than the category average.

Ingredients

Green Olives, Black Olives, Mature Cheddar Cheese (Milk) (7%), Pimento Paste [Water, Pimento, Thickeners (Sodium Alginate, Guar Gum), Firming Agent (Calcium Chloride), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid)], Red Pepper, Rapeseed Oil, Salt, Parsley, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Red Wine Vinegar, Sugar, Stabiliser (Ferrous Gluconate).

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.