Why is Mac & Cheese Bacon classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The product combines many processed components such as cheese sauces, bacon, modified starches and emulsifiers, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. Its formulation includes additives like potassium sorbate (E202) as a preservative, sodium ascorbate (E301) as an antioxidant, xanthan gum (E415) as an emulsifier, as well as E1105, E14xx and E428, all of which are listed on the label.

How does the salt content in Mac & Cheese Bacon affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With about 2 g of salt per 100 g (approximately 5.5 g per 280 g serving), the product exceeds the recommended daily sodium intake for people managing hypertension and can contribute to elevated blood pressure in diabetics, who are already at higher cardiovascular risk. While its sugar level is low, the high sodium makes it unsuitable for low‑salt dietary plans.

Is Mac & Cheese Bacon suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

No. The dish contains dairy cheese, milk and bacon made from pork, so it is neither vegan nor halal. It also includes wheat semolina, providing gluten, which rules out a gluten‑free diet. Additionally, it provides 18 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, making it incompatible with a strict keto regimen.

Hacendado • 280g

Mac & Cheese Bacon

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Mac & Cheese Bacon is an instant pasta meal from the HACENDADO brand, sold in Mercadona, consisting of cooked pasta mixed with a cheese sauce that includes dairy cheeses, bacon, and seasonings. It belongs to the Cereals (PNNS group) category, carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as NOVA 4, reflecting an ultra‑processed product with high saturated fat (7.1 g/100 g) and salt (2 g/100 g) and a moderate protein content (≈8.6 g/100 g). While it provides a quick source of protein and calcium from the cheese, the high levels of saturated fat, salt and several additives (such as E202, E301, E415) make it less suitable for low‑sodium or low‑fat diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0.2 g

Fruits & Vegetables8.1 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical instant‑pasta products, this Mac & Cheese Bacon contains roughly double the fat (12.9 g vs 6.9 g per 100 g) and less sugar (1.9 g vs 9 g) while its salt (2 g) is below the category average of 3 g.

Ingredients

Salsa de queso (leche**) (66%): agua, nata leche) queso leche**) (14%*), cebolla frita (cebolla y aceite de oliva), queso (leche**) fundido tipo cheddar (5%*) (queso (leche**], almidón modificado, agua, nata (leche), proteinas de la leche, lactosuero [leche), sal fundente [citratos de sodio], conservador (sorbato potásico) y antiapelmazante [almidón]), queso (leche**) fundido tipo parmesano (4%*) (queso (leche**) almidón modificado, agua, lactosuero (leche), proteinas de la leche, sal, conservador (sorbato potásico) y antiapelmazante (almidón)), bacon (2%*) (panceta de cerdo agua, sal, dextrosa, especias, antioxidante [ascorbato sódico) y conservador Initrito sódico)]), queso (leche**) (2%*) (leche** de vaca, cuajo microbiano, cultivos lácteos leche**), almidón y sal), leche**, aceite de girasol, pasta de ajo lajo y sal), almidón modificado, queso (leche**) (1%*) (leche** de oveja, sal, estabilizante [deruro calcico), conservador [lisozima de huevo), cuajo y fermentos lácteos), sal, aroma natural, mostaza (agua, mostaza, vinagre y sal), tomate, gelatina de cerdo, azúcar, aroma, extracto de levadura, especias y colorante (maltodextrina y cártamo); pasta cocida (34%): agua, sémola de trigo (gluten), aceite de girasol y emulgente (goma xantana).

84%

35%

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