Why is Tortilla chips Fajita classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The snack is labeled NOVA 4 because it combines basic ingredients with several industrial additives such as sodium acetate, citric acid, maltodextrin, yeast extract, smoke flavouring, colour (paprika extract) and additional flavourings, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this snack affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1.5 g of sugar per 100 g, the product is unlikely to raise blood glucose significantly, but the 0.41 g of salt (moderate level) can contribute to sodium intake and may need to be limited by people managing hypertension.

Is this product suitable for vegan, keto or gluten‑free diets?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, so the chips are vegan. However, their high carbohydrate content (59.1 g per 100 g) makes them unsuitable for a strict keto diet, and while corn is naturally gluten‑free, the label does not confirm a gluten‑free certification.

OLD EL PASO

Tortilla chips Fajita

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Tortilla chips Fajita are a salty snack appetizer made primarily from corn kernels, sunflower oil and a spice blend. They have a Nutri-Score of B and belong to NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra-processed product with several additives such as sodium acetate, citric acid, maltodextrin and smoke flavouring. Nutritionally they are high in fat (22.6 g per 100 g) and provide 8 g of protein and 6.5 g of fibre, while sugar is low (1.5 g) and salt is moderate (0.41 g), offering both positive protein/fibre content and concerns over fat and processing.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal485 kcal

Fat22.6 g

Saturated Fat2 g

Carbohydrates59.1 g

Sugars1.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average corn-chip, this product has slightly less total fat (22.6 g vs 23.6 g), markedly lower saturated fat (2 g vs 5.1 g), far less sugar (1.5 g vs 3.8 g) and dramatically lower salt (0.41 g vs 52.4 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Grain de maïs, huile de tournesol riche en acide oléïque, assaisonnement (sucre, sel, épices (paprika, poivre noir, curcuma, gingembre, poivre de cayenne), oignon en poudre, maltodextrine, extrait de levure, arômes, correcteurs d'acidité (acétate de sodium, acide citrique), ail en poudre, persil, colorant (extrait de paprika), arôme de fumée).

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.