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

The product is deemed ultra‑processed because it combines minced pork and beef with refined ingredients such as potato starch, potato flakes, dextrose, natural aroma and spice extract, all of which require extensive industrial processing; although the label lists no formal additives, these flavorings, sweeteners and starches are typical of NOVA 4 foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in Swedish meatballs affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 2.2 g of sugar per 100 g, the sweetening impact on blood glucose is modest, but the 1.5 g of salt per 100 g contributes significantly to daily sodium intake, which can raise blood pressure, so the product should be consumed sparingly by people managing diabetes or hypertension.

Is Swedish meatballs suitable for a gluten‑free, vegan, or halal diet?

The meatballs are gluten‑free because they contain no wheat‑based ingredients, but they include pork and beef, making them unsuitable for vegan, vegetarian or halal diets.

Smörgåsbord • 400g

Swedish meatballs

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Swedish meatballs from Smörgåsbord belong to the meat group of the PNNS classification and are sold in 400 g packs at Sainsbury’s. They carry a Nutri‑Score of D and are placed in NOVA 4, reflecting an ultra‑processed product with high fat (18 g) and saturated fat (6.7 g) but modest sugar (2.2 g) and salt (1.5 g) levels. While the protein content is moderate (11 g per 100 g) and the product is gluten‑free, the elevated fat and salt and the lack of fiber limit its overall nutritional quality.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal240 kcal

Fat18 g

Saturated Fat6.7 g

Carbohydrates11 g

Sugars2.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for meat‑ball type products, this Swedish meatball contains considerably more fat (18 g vs 12.4 g), higher saturated fat (6.7 g vs 4.2 g), lower salt (1.5 g vs 3.2 g), similar sugars (2.2 g vs 2.15 g), almost double the carbohydrates (11 g vs 5.2 g) and less protein (11 g vs 19.9 g).

Ingredients

Meat 60% (pork 47%, beef 13%), onion, potato, potato starch, potato flakes, salt, potato fibre, sugar, dextrose, beef stock, natural aroma, spice extract.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Swedish meatballs.

Smörgåsbord