Why is Varitas merluza empanada classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product undergoes industrial processing to create a breaded coating that includes refined wheat and corn flours, added dextrose, yeast, salt and a spice extract; these ingredients and the multi‑step manufacturing process place it in the NOVA 4 ultra‑processed category, although it does not contain added colorings or other listed additives.

How does the salt content of this product affect a hypertensive diet?

With 0.83 g of salt per 100 g (about 330 mg of sodium), a typical serving contributes roughly 17 % of the WHO's recommended maximum daily salt intake of 5 g, which can be significant for people managing high blood pressure and should be accounted for within their total daily sodium budget.

Is the wheat flour in Varitas merluza empanada a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, the product contains wheat flour and wheat starch, both of which provide gluten; therefore it is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or non‑celiac gluten sensitivity.

Pescanova • 450 g

Varitas merluza empanada

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Varitas merluza empanada are frozen breaded hake sticks from Pescanova, sold in a 450 g package and labelled without added colorings. Belonging to the Fish and seafood group, they deliver 180 kcal, 6.6 g fat (0.8 g saturated), 10 g protein, 1.2 g sugars and 0.83 g salt per 100 g, earning a Nutri-Score of B but a NOVA rating of 4, indicating an ultra-processed product. The product contains fish and gluten allergens and may have traces of crustaceans, egg and milk, so it is unsuitable for those with these sensitivities.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal180 kcal

Fat6.6 g

Saturated Fat0.8 g

Carbohydrates19.2 g

Sugars1.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the category averages for frozen fish products, this item provides slightly more sugar (1.2 g vs 0.98 g) and substantially more carbohydrates (19.2 g vs 4.2 g) and calories (180 kcal vs 149 kcal), but it has lower saturated fat (0.8 g vs 1.32 g) and markedly lower salt (0.83 g vs 5.32 g), while its protein content (10 g) is below the average 18.05 g.

Ingredients

Merluza (Pescado) (55%), harina de trigo (gluten), harina de maíz, aceite de girasol, agua, almidón de trigo (gluten), dextrosa de maíz, levadura, sal y extracto de especias (paprika y curcuma). Puede contener: Crustáceos, Huevo, Leche, Moluscos Por 100g Por 100g congelado Por 100g % IR* Ingesta de frito horno horno/ referencia* airfryer airfryer

84%

35%

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