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

The product is a ready‑made meal that includes refined wheat flour, several flavor enhancers and preservatives, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. Its label lists additives E250 (sodium nitrite) and E252 (potassium nitrate) as preservatives, and sulphites are present from the red wine component.

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

With only 1.8 g of sugar per 100 g, the meal is low‑sugar and suitable for diabetic meal planning, but the 0.57 g of salt per 100 g still contributes to daily sodium intake and should be limited for hypertension, especially when combined with other salty foods.

Is the presence of sulphites in this product a concern for people with sulphite sensitivity?

Yes, the red wine ingredient introduces sulphites, which can trigger reactions such as asthma, hives or digestive discomfort in individuals who are sensitive; the product is clearly labelled with a sulphite allergen warning.

Tesco Finest • 400g

Spaghetti Bolognese

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Tesco Finest Spaghetti Bolognese is a ready‑to‑heat composite food that belongs to the one‑dish meals category. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and is classified as an ultra‑processed product (NOVA 4), offering low sugar (1.8 g per 100 g), low salt (0.57 g per 100 g) and a relatively high protein content (9.3 g per 100 g), while its saturated fat and fiber are modest. The meal also contains several additives such as sodium nitrite (E250) and potassium nitrate (E252), as well as allergens including gluten, milk, beef, pork and sulphites.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal146 kcal

Fat5.7 g

Saturated Fat2.4 g

Carbohydrates13.7 g

Sugars1.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average pasta‑dish, this Spaghetti Bolognese contains less sugar (1.8 g vs 3.57 g), far lower salt (0.57 g vs 3.55 g) and fewer calories (146 kcal vs 175 kcal), but its saturated fat is higher (2.4 g vs 1.94 g).

Ingredients

Ingredients INGREDIENTS: Cooked Spaghetti Pasta [Water, Durum Wheat Semolina], Beef (22%), Tomato, Red Wine (Sulphites), Tomato Passata, Pork, Tomato Purée, Smoked Pancetta [Pork Belly, Salt, Dextrose, Black Pepper, Garlic, Coriander, Nutmeg, Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite, Potassium Nitrate)], Onion, Carrot, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Milk), Garlic Purée, Cornflour, Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium, Folic Acid, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin], Salt, Parsley, Beef Extract, Yeast Extract, Basil, Porcini Mushroom Powder, Bay, Black Pepper.

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