Why is Spicy Mexican Style Rice classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product combines many ingredient types, uses cooked rice, sauces, oils and flavorings, and includes processing steps such as cooking and mixing, which place it in NOVA group 4. It lists three declared additives: turmeric extract (E100), paprika extract (E160c) and guar gum (E412), and also mentions a colour and a stabiliser that may derive from palm oil.

How does the low sugar and salt content of this rice dish affect people managing diabetes or hypertension?

With only 1.44 g of sugars and 0.001 g of salt per 100 g, the dish contributes minimally to daily sugar or sodium limits, making it a relatively safe choice for individuals monitoring blood glucose or blood pressure, provided overall portion sizes and total daily intake remain balanced.

Is Spicy Mexican Style Rice suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, keto, or halal diets?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, so the product is vegan and naturally gluten‑free. It is not suitable for a keto diet because it contains 28.9 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. With no animal‑derived components, it can be considered halal, although the oil source is not fully disclosed.

Sainsbury’s

Spicy Mexican Style Rice

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Spicy Mexican Style Rice is a plant‑based, cereal‑based dish classified in the Cereal and Potato family, earning a Nutri‑Score of B and placed in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product. Per 100 g it provides low levels of fat (1.6 g), sugars (1.44 g) and salt (0.001 g, classified as low), with modest protein (3.04 g) and fiber (2.72 g). However, the formulation includes three food additives, turmeric extract (E100), paprika extract (E160c) and guar gum (E412), and may contain palm‑derived oil, raising concerns about processing intensity and environmental impact.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Added Sugars0.4 g

Fruits & Vegetables45.3 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar products, this rice contains far less sugar (1.44 g vs 9 g), fat (1.6 g vs 6.94 g), saturated fat (0.24 g vs 165.82 g), salt (0.001 g vs 2.96 g), energy (147 kcal vs 353 kcal), fiber (2.72 g vs 5.05 g), carbohydrates (28.9 g vs 63.97 g) and protein (3.04 g vs 9.76 g).

Ingredients

Cooked Long Grain Rice, Tomato Paste, Sweetcorn, Adzuki Beans, Red Pepper, Vegetable Oil, Jalapeño Chilli, Sugar, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Turmeric Extract, Lemon Juice, Garlic Powder, Garlic Purée, Salt, Colour, Paprika Extract, Cumin Powder, Stabiliser, Guar Gum

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Spicy Mexican Style Rice.

Ben's Original

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