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

The product receives a NOVA 4 rating because it is made from multiple refined ingredients and undergoes industrial processing steps such as mixing, shaping, and refrigeration. Its formulation includes refined vegetable oils (canola and sunflower), an acidity regulator (E267 – buffered vinegar), and wheat gluten, which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the salt content in this product affect a hypertensive diet?

Falafel épinards contains 0.87 g of salt per 100 g, which is considerably lower than the average 3.55 g found in many processed foods. While this amount contributes to daily sodium intake, it can fit into a hypertension‑friendly plan if overall daily salt consumption stays within the recommended 5 g limit.

Based on the ingredient list, is Falafel épinards suitable for strict diets such as vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free?

The falafel is fully vegan, as it contains no animal‑derived ingredients. It is not gluten‑free because wheat gluten is added. Its carbohydrate level (15 g per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for a strict keto diet, and while it contains no obvious non‑halal components, the presence of trace soy and potential egg cross‑contamination may be a concern for some halal consumers.

Garden Gourmet • 190 g

Garden Gourmet Falafel Balletjes Spinazie 190g

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Falafel épinards is a refrigerated plant‑based falafel from Garden Gourmet, composed mainly of chickpeas and spinach and classified under the 'One‑dish meals' PNNS group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of A and belongs to NOVA group 4, offering 9.1 g of protein and 8.7 g of dietary fiber per 100 g while containing 9.9 g of fat and 0.87 g of salt. The product is vegan but not gluten‑free due to wheat gluten, and its ultra‑processed status reflects the use of refined vegetable oils and the acidity regulator E267.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal203 kcal

Fat9.9 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates15 g

Sugars1.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar plant‑based meals, this falafel is higher in fat (9.9 g vs 5.94 g), protein (9.1 g vs 7.16 g) and fiber (8.7 g vs 2.08 g), lower in sugars (1.3 g vs 3.57 g), saturated fat (0.9 g vs 1.94 g), salt (0.87 g vs 3.55 g) and carbohydrates (15 g vs 23 g), and provides slightly more energy (203 kcal vs 174.6 kcal).

Ingredients

Gerehydrateerde kikkererwten 59,0% (kikkererwten 29,5%, water), spinazie 17,2%, plantaardige oliën (koolzaad en zonnebloem), ui, kruiden (peterselie, munt 1,1%, basilicum 0,4%), alcoholazijn, TARWE-eiwitten, maïszetmeel, zout, specerijen (knoflook, zwarte peper), zuurteregelaar (kaliumhydroxide). Bevat mogelijk: SOJA, EI, SESAM, SELDERIJ, MOSTERD.

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.