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

NOVA 4 denotes foods that undergo multiple industrial processes and contain added ingredients such as sauces, emulsifiers or preservatives. Patatas bravas include fried potato pieces, brava sauce and mayonnaise, each prepared separately, and the final product incorporates the additives E160c (paprika extract), E202 (potassium sorbate), E330 (citric acid), E412 (guar gum) and E415 (xanthan gum), which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the fat and salt content in Patatas bravas affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The snack provides 9.7 g of fat per 100 g, most of which is unsaturated, so it contributes moderate calories but a relatively low amount of saturated fat (1.1 g). Its salt level is only 0.21 g, far below the average for similar products, making it less of a concern for hypertension, while the low sugar (1.1 g) means it has minimal impact on blood glucose for diabetics. Portion control is still essential to avoid excess calorie intake.

Is Patatas bravas suitable for vegan, gluten‑free or allergen‑free diets?

The product is labeled gluten‑free, but it contains egg yolk in the mayonnaise, which is an allergen and makes the snack unsuitable for vegans. It also includes sunflower oil, tomato‑based sauces and several additives, so it is not allergen‑free for individuals sensitive to egg or certain food additives.

Hacendado • 470 g

Patatas bravas

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Patatas bravas are a ready‑to‑eat snack of fried potatoes topped with brava sauce and mayonnaise, sold under the Hacendado brand at Mercadona. They belong to the PNNS group “Potatoes”, carry a Nutri‑Score of C and are classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product. The 100 g portion provides 164 kcal, 9.7 g fat (including 1.1 g saturated), 2.2 g protein and only 0.21 g salt, but it also contains added sugars, five additives (E160c, E202, E330, E412, E415) and egg, making it unsuitable for vegans and a cautious choice for those limiting fat or additives.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal164 kcal

Fat9.7 g

Saturated Fat1.1 g

Carbohydrates16 g

Sugars1.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar potato‑based snacks, Patatas bravas contain less sugar (1.1 g vs 2.12 g) and far less salt (0.21 g vs 3.07 g), but they have higher fat (9.7 g vs 6.32 g) and lower protein (2.2 g vs 3.77 g).

Ingredients

PATATA FRITA 78,72% (patata y aceite de girasol), SALSA BRAVA 10,64% (sofrito de tomate (tomate, cebolla, aceite de girasol, azúcar, almidón modificado de maíz, sal y acidulante: ácido cítrico), tomate triturado (tomate, sal y acidulante: ácido cítrico), pimientos picantes (2,9%) (guindillones y acidulante: ácido cítrico), aceite de girasol, caldo de verduras, conservador: sorbato potásico, almidón modificado de maíz y extracto de pimentón), SALSA MAYONESA 10,64% (aceite de girasol, agua, yema de huevo líquido pasteurizado, vinagre de vino blanco, jarabe de glucosa y fructosa, almidón modificado de patata, sal, conservador (sorbato potásico), zumo concentrado de limón, estabilizante (goma guar y goma xantana) y colorantes (extracto de pimentón y carotenos)).

84%

35%

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