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

The product combines refined durum‑wheat semolina, cooked tuna, corn oil, glucose syrup and flavorings, all of which require industrial processing steps such as milling, cooking, and emulsifying; these operations place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. While the label lists no separate additive codes, the glucose syrup and flavorings function as processed additives that contribute to its classification.

How does the high fat and calorie content of this salad affect a heart‑healthy or weight‑management diet?

With 16 g of fat and 244 kcal per 100 g, the salad is considerably higher in energy than typical prepared salads, which can challenge heart‑healthy or calorie‑restricted plans; however, the 9 g of protein helps promote satiety, so occasional moderate portions can fit into a balanced diet if total daily fat intake is monitored.

Is the wheat‑based couscous in this product a concern for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease?

Yes. The couscous component is made from durum‑wheat semolina, which contains gluten, so the salad is not suitable for individuals who need to avoid gluten or have celiac disease.

Rio Mare • 1pcs

Insalatissima Cous Cous

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Insalatissima Cous Cous is a ready‑to‑eat Mediterranean‑style couscous salad featuring tuna, chickpeas and mixed vegetables, sold under the Rio Mare brand. Classified in the PNNS categories “Composite foods” and “One‑dish meals”, it carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is placed in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group, offering 244 kcal, 16 g of fat (2.7 g saturated), 9 g of protein and only 1 g of sugars per 100 g. The salad provides a decent protein boost and low sugar, but its high fat and calorie density, presence of gluten and fish allergens, and reliance on added corn oil and glucose syrup may limit suitability for low‑fat or allergen‑restricted diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal244 kcal

Fat16 g

Saturated Fat2.7 g

Carbohydrates15 g

Sugars1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average prepared‑salad profile, this couscous salad contains about three times more fat (16 g vs 5.9 g), almost three times the calories (244 kcal vs 175 kcal), lower sugars (1 g vs 3.6 g), slightly higher saturated fat (2.7 g vs 1.9 g), lower salt (1.2 g vs 3.6 g), and more protein (9 g vs 7.2 g).

Ingredients

Cous cous (semola di grano duro) 35%, tonno (Euthynnus (Katsuwonus) pelamis) 23%, olio di semi di mais, ceci 6%, carote, piselli 6%, peperoni, pomodorini 3% S cipolle, aromi, sale, sciroppo di glucosio. Può contenere senape e soia. BOLTON FOOD S.P.A. - Via L. Einaudi, 18/22, Cermenate (CO), Italia PESCA SOSTEN E CERTIFICA DOVE LO BUTTO? LATTINA COPERCHIO INVOLUCRO ESTERNO PPS SPET 7 RACCOLTA PLASTICA VERIFICA LE DISPOSIZIONI DEL TUO COMUNE. ALLUMINIO Per CE [email protected] IT5 www.riomare.it Servizio consumatori Numero Verde 800-00.60.00 2209

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