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

The product combines many refined ingredients such as rapeseed oil, maize starch, and multiple flours, and it uses food‑grade additives for texture and leavening; the listed additives are diphosphates (E 450) and sodium carbonate (E 500), which is why it falls into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

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

With only 1.9 g of sugars per 100 g, the falafels have a low glycaemic impact, making them acceptable for diabetes when eaten in moderation; however, the 1.14 g of salt contributes about 19 % of the recommended daily limit of 6 g, so individuals with hypertension should limit portion size.

Based on the ingredients, is Falafels suitable for strict diets like vegan, gluten‑free, or halal?

All listed ingredients are plant‑derived and contain no animal products, meeting vegan standards; the formulation uses chickpeas, rice flour and corn starch rather than wheat, so it is gluten‑free, and because none of the components are prohibited in halal diets, it can be considered suitable for halal consumers.

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Falafels

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

Falafels are a refrigerated, plant-based protein product that belongs to the PNNS plant-based protein and legume food group. Per 100 g the items deliver a Nutri-Score of A, with 7 g protein, 5.5 g fiber and very low sugars, but they also contain 14.8 g total fat, 1.2 g saturated fat and 1.14 g salt, giving 252 kcal of energy. The formulation is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and includes two additives, diphosphates (E 450) and sodium carbonate (E 500), alongside refined rapeseed oil and maize starch, which temper its otherwise wholesome ingredient list.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal252 kcal

Fat14.8 g

Saturated Fat1.2 g

Monounsaturated Fat8.7 g

Polyunsaturated Fat4.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average refrigerated falafel, this product contains less sugar and salt but more fat and calories, while offering lower fiber and protein.

Ingredients

Soaked Chickpeas (40%) (Chickpeas, Water), Onion, Broad Beans (20%), Rapeseed Oil, Coriander, Gram Flour, Rice Flour, Parsley, Garlic Purée, Salt, Coriander Powder, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Cumin Powder, Maize Starch, Black Pepper, Raising Agents: Diphosphates, Sodium Carbonates; Dextrose.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Falafels.

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Falafels

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate