Why is Falafel Di ceci e spinaci classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is made from rehydrated chickpeas, spinach and vegetable oils that are combined with starches, acids and flavorings, a process that involves multiple industrial steps, which places it in the NOVA 4 category; the only listed additive is the acidity regulator potassium hydroxide (E525).

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

With only 1.3 g of sugar per 100 g, the falafel is suitable for managing blood glucose levels, but the 0.87 g of salt represents a moderate amount that should be considered by people monitoring sodium intake, especially those with hypertension.

Is this falafel suitable for a gluten‑free or wheat‑allergy diet?

No, the formulation includes wheat gluten as a binder, so it is not safe for gluten‑free or wheat‑allergic individuals, and it may also contain traces of soy, sesame, egg, celery and mustard.

Garden Gourmet • 190 g

Falafel Di ceci e spinaci

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

Falafel Di ceci e spinaci is a refrigerated plant-based protein product positioned as a vegan meat alternative in the vegetarian-ball category. Per 100 g it delivers 9.1 g of protein and 8.7 g of fiber with low sugar (1.3 g) and moderate salt (0.87 g), while the fat content (9.9 g) and saturated fat (0.9 g) remain below typical values for comparable items. It carries a Nutri-Score of A but is classified as NOVA 4, indicating an ultra-processed formulation that includes the acidity regulator potassium hydroxide (E525) and contains gluten as well as possible traces of egg, celery, soy, mustard and sesame.

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 average plant-based meat alternatives, this falafel has far lower sugar (1.3 g vs 10.1 g), lower fat (9.9 g vs 12.19 g) and lower salt (0.87 g vs 1.14 g) while offering roughly double the fiber and protein.

Ingredients

Ceci reidratati 60% (ceci 34,9%, acqua), spinaci 17,4%, oli vegetali (colza, girasole) in proporzione variabile, cipolla, prezzemolo, GLUTINE di FRUMENTO, aceto di alcol, menta, amido di mais, sale, basilico, aglio, pepe nero, correttore di acidità: idrossido di potassio. Può contenere: UOVA, SEDANO, SOIA, SENAPE e SEMI DI SESAMO.

84%

35%

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