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

The product combines refined soy flour, wheat gluten, multiple starches and a preservative (potassium sorbate) together with raising agents such as gluconodeltalactone and sodium bicarbonate, all of which are ingredients characteristic of industrial food processing, placing it in the NOVA 4 ultra‑processed category.

How does the sugar and salt content in Minifalafel ceci e spinaci affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1.3 g of sugar per 100 g, the snack has a minimal impact on blood glucose for people with diabetes, but its 1.1 g of salt supplies roughly 25 % of the recommended daily limit, so individuals with hypertension should watch portion sizes.

Based on the ingredient list, is Minifalafel ceci e spinaci suitable for vegan, gluten‑free or halal diets?

All ingredients are plant‑based, so the product is vegan; however, it contains wheat gluten and breadcrumb wheat flour, making it unsuitable for a gluten‑free diet. No animal‑derived components are listed, so it may be acceptable for many halal consumers, though official certification is not provided.

Kioene • 200 grammi

Minifalafel ceci e spinaci

Composite Foods

Product Insights

The Minifalafel ceci e spinaci is a plant‑based mini‑falafel snack made from chickpeas, spinach and rehydrated soy flour, sold in Italy as a ready‑to‑eat product. It belongs to the composite foods and one‑dish meals group, carries a Nutri‑Score of A and is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed item, providing 17 g of protein and 5.5 g of fiber per 100 g while also containing 11 g of fat and 1.1 g of salt. The formulation includes gluten, soy and traces of celery, uses a potassium sorbate preservative and has moderate fat and salt levels despite its high protein and fiber content.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal258 kcal

Fat11 g

Saturated Fat1.1 g

Carbohydrates20 g

Sugars1.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average plant‑based meals, this mini‑falafel delivers far more protein (17 g vs 7 g) and fiber (5.5 g vs 2 g) but also nearly double the fat (11 g vs 6 g) and higher calorie density (258 kcal vs 175 kcal), while its sugar (1.3 g) and salt (1.1 g) are well below typical values.

Ingredients

Farina di SOIA ristrutturata e reidratata, ceci 15%, spinaci 14%, olio di semi di girasole, cipolla, glutine di GRANO, pangrattato (farina di GRANO tenero tipo "0", lievito di birra, sale), amido di tapioca, farina di ceci 2%, prezzemolo, agenti lievitanti: gluconodeltalattone,idrogenocarbonato di sodio; amido di patata, estratto di lievito, sale, piante aromatiche, aglio, aglio disidratato, spezie, preparato per brodo vegetale [sale, amido di mais, estratto di lievito, estratto di SOIA, ortaggi disidratati in proporzione variabile (cipolla, SEDANO, carota, prezzemolo), olio extravergine di oliva, spezie], conservante: sorbato di potassio.

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.