Why is Buttermilk pancakes classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product combines refined wheat flour, reconstituted buttermilk, egg, and several chemical raising agents, which require multiple industrial steps; this level of formulation places it in NOVA group 4. The label lists three additives: glycerol (E422) as a humectant, disodium diphosphate (E450i) and sodium bicarbonate (E500ii) as leavening agents.

How does the sugar and salt content in Buttermilk pancakes affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 9 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause a noticeable rise in blood glucose and should be limited by people managing diabetes. Its 0.79 g of salt per 100 g is moderate but lower than many snack foods, yet still contributes to daily sodium intake and may need monitoring for those with high blood pressure.

Is this product suitable for a gluten‑free or vegan diet?

No. The primary ingredient is wheat flour, which contains gluten, making it unsuitable for a gluten‑free regimen. It also includes buttermilk and egg, so it does not meet vegan standards.

Tesco Finest • 4 pancakes (280 g)

Buttermilk pancakes

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Buttermilk pancakes from Tesco Finest are a ready-to-eat sweet snack that falls under the Cereals and potatoes / Bread group. They carry a Nutri-Score of C and are classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), reflecting the presence of refined wheat flour, reconstituted buttermilk, raising agents and three additives (E422 glycerol, E450i disodium diphosphate, E500ii sodium bicarbonate). Nutritionally they provide moderate levels of fat (7.1 g), sugar (9 g) and salt (0.79 g) per 100 g, offering protein (6.9 g) and fiber (1.86 g), but the high sugar and added additives may be a downside for health‑conscious consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal241 kcal

Energy1015 kJ

Fat5.2 g

Saturated Fat0.8 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack in its category, this product supplies more sugar (9 g vs 4.79 g) and slightly more fat (7.14 g vs 5.52 g), but contains far less salt (0.79 g vs 3.95 g) and fewer saturated fats (0.86 g vs 1.4 g), resulting in a lower energy density (≈253 kcal vs 349 kcal).

Ingredients

Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin], Reconstituted Buttermilk (27%), Pasteurised Egg. Sugar, Rapeseed Oil, Humectant (Glycerol), Fermented Wheat Flour, Raising Agents (Disodium Diphosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Chloride). Allergy Advice For allergens, Including creals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold.

84%

35%

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