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

It receives a NOVA 4 rating because the recipe combines refined couscous, cooked tuna, corn oil, multiple vegetables, flavorings and a glucose syrup, all of which are industrially processed ingredients; although no distinct additives are listed, the flavorings and glucose syrup function as added substances typical of ultra‑processed foods.

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

The salad contains only 1 g of sugars per 100 g, which is low and generally acceptable for diabetes management, but it provides 1.2 g of salt per 100 g, a moderate amount that could contribute to higher sodium intake for people with hypertension and should be balanced with lower‑salt meals.

Is the tuna in this salad a concern for people with fish allergies or for consumers seeking gluten‑free options?

Yes, the tuna is a fish ingredient and will trigger reactions in individuals allergic to fish, and the couscous base is made from durum wheat semolina, which contains gluten, so the product is not suitable for a gluten‑free diet.

Rio mare • 200g

Insalatissime cous cous

Composite Foods

Product Insights

The product is a ready-to-eat tuna and couscous salad marketed under the name Insalatissime cous cous, placed in the Composite foods/One-dish meals group. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra-processed preparation that includes processed grains, oil, flavorings and a small amount of added glucose syrup. With 16 g of fat and 1.2 g of salt per 100 g, the salad is relatively high in fat but low in sugars, providing 9 g of protein and 2 g of fiber, giving a mixed nutritional profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal244 kcal

Fat16 g

Saturated Fat2.7 g

Carbohydrates15 g

Sugars1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average prepared salad (23 g carbs, 5.9 g fat, 3.6 g salt, 3.6 g sugars), this couscous‑tuna salad is lower in sugar (1 g vs 3.6 g) and salt (1.2 g vs 3.6 g) but markedly higher in fat (16 g vs 5.9 g).

Ingredients

Cous cous (semola di grano duro), tonno, olio di semi di mais, ceci, carote, piselli, peperoni, pomodorini, cipolle, aromi, sale, sciroppo di glucosio.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Insalatissime cous cous.

Rio Mare

1pcs

Insalatissima Cous Cous

View Analysis

RIO mare

160g