Why is Hoisin Duck Bao Buns classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The buns are made from refined wheat flour, added starches, sauces and several industrial ingredients, which places them in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group. The label lists the additives E150a (plain caramel colour), E450 (diphosphates) and E500 (sodium carbonates) used as colour, stabiliser and raising agents.

How does the sugar and salt content in Hoisin Duck Bao Buns affect diabetic or hypertensive diets?

The product contains virtually no sugar (0.01 g per 100 g), so it does not raise blood glucose levels significantly, making it acceptable for diabetic meal planning. However, it provides 1 g of salt per 100 g, which is moderate but may contribute to daily sodium limits for people managing hypertension, so portion control is advisable.

Based on the ingredient list, is this product suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or halal diets?

No, the buns are not vegan because they contain duck breast, oyster extract and soy ingredients. They are not gluten‑free due to wheat flour. Halal suitability cannot be confirmed: while duck can be halal if slaughtered correctly, the presence of oyster extract (a shellfish) and unnamed processing methods means the product does not carry a halal certification.

itsu • 270g

hoisin duck 6 bao buns

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Hoisin Duck Bao Buns are a ready‑to‑eat, filled steamed bun that falls under the Composite foods/One‑dish meals category. With a Nutri‑Score of C and a NOVA 4 classification, the buns deliver 218 kcal per 100 g, 7.5 g protein and only 0.01 g sugar, while providing 4.4 g fat (0.7 g saturated) and 1 g salt. However, the product is ultra‑processed, contains several additives (E150a, E450, E500), allergens such as wheat, soy, sesame and oyster extract, and its carbohydrate load (36 g) and overall energy are higher than the average for similar meals.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal218 kcal

Fat4.4 g

Saturated Fat0.7 g

Carbohydrates36 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal (23 g carbs, 3.57 g sugars, 5.94 g fat, 1 g salt, 174 kcal), these bao buns have considerably more carbs (36 g) and calories (218 kcal) but far less sugar (0.01 g) and slightly less fat.

Ingredients

Wheat flour, duck breast (18%), water, vegetables (15%) (onion, Chinese leaf cabbage, carrot, spring onion), sugar, corn starch, hoisin sauce (4%) (water, sugar, soya beans, wheat flour, sesame oil, salt, garlic powder, ginger, modified tapioca starch, rice, mixed spices, high maltose syrup, sticky rice, red onion, alcohol, soya oil), soya oil, sesame oil, salt, rice, yeast, soya beans, oyster extract (molluscs), raising agents*: sodium carbonates, diphosphates; colour: plain caramel; orange peel.

84%

35%

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