Why is Old El Paso Fajitas Original classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The product combines refined wheat flour, added sugars, stabilisers, emulsifiers and a range of flavourings, all of which are characteristic of ultra‑processed foods, leading to its NOVA 4 rating. It lists eight additives, including glycerol (E422), mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471), sodium carbonate (E500 ii), diphosphates (E450), citric acid (E330), calcium chloride (E509), caramel colour (E150a) and a generic flavouring code (E14xx).

How do the sugar and salt levels in this fajita kit affect diabetic or hypertensive individuals?

With 6 g of sugars per 100 g, the kit contributes more than the average ready‑meal, which can raise blood glucose spikes for people with diabetes if not balanced with other low‑carb foods. Its 2.1 g of salt per 100 g is below the average ready‑meal but still adds a significant amount of sodium, so hypertensive individuals should monitor total daily intake and consider pairing the dish with low‑salt sides.

Is this product suitable for strict diets like vegan, gluten‑free, or allergen‑free?

The fajita kit is not vegan because it contains wheat flour, and it is not gluten‑free due to the wheat tortillas, which also trigger the gluten allergen warning. It contains trace amounts of soy, so it is not suitable for a soy‑free diet either, but it is free from animal‑derived ingredients, making it vegetarian for those who can tolerate gluten and soy.

Old El Paso • 500g

Fajitas original (original doux)

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Old El Paso Fajitas Original (original doux) is a 500 g boxed meal kit containing soft wheat tortillas, a seasoned tomato‑based filling and a blend of spices, marketed as a convenient Mexican‑style dinner. It falls under the Composite foods group, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), with 2.1 g of salt, 6 g of sugars and 3.6 g of fat per 100 g, providing moderate protein and fiber but a relatively high sodium level. The formulation includes eight food additives such as E422, E471 and caramel colour, and contains gluten and traces of soy, which may be concerns for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal227 kcal

Fat3.6 g

Saturated Fat0.8 g

Carbohydrates41.1 g

Sugars6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal (per 100 g), this fajita kit is lower in fat (3.6 g vs 5.9 g) and salt (2.1 g vs 3.5 g) but higher in sugars (6 g vs 3.6 g), carbohydrates (41 g vs 23 g) and total energy (227 kcal vs 175 kcal).

Ingredients

Tortillas de blé extra moelleuses (65%): farine de blé, eau, stabilisant: glycérol; huile de tournesol, émulsifiant: mono - et diglycérides d'acides gras; dextrose, poudres à lever: carbonate acide de sodium, diphosphates; sel. Conditionnées sous atmosphère protectrice. Sauce à napper (29%) : tomates (64% ), oignons (17%), poivrons verts (11%), concentré de tomate, sel, vinaigre, sucre, jus de citron concentré, piment chilli (0,4%), ail en poudre, arôme naturel, correcteur d'acidité : acide citrique; affermissant: chlorure de calcium; amidon modifié de mais. épices (6%) sucre, légumes déshydratés (oignon, ail), sel, protéines hydrolysées de soja, épices (6% ) (poivre noir, piment de Cayenne, gingembre), arôme de fumée, correcteur d'acidité : acide citrique; arômes, extrait de levure, colorant: caramel ordinaire. Allergènes: voir les ingrédients en gras. Contient 8 portions. General Mills Fabriqué pour General Mills International Sarl, Suisse. Distribué par General Mills France-150 Rue Gallieni - 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt 500 ge

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