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

The snack contains many industrial ingredients such as maltodextrin, added sugar, hydrolysed vegetable protein, multiple flavorings (including smoke flavour), yeast powder, lactose, and a blend of flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate and disodium ribonucleotides). It also includes colourants (E150 caramel and E160c paprika extract) and other processing aids, all of which are characteristic of a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed product.

How does the sugar and salt content in Pipas Tijuana affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Each 100 g portion provides about 10.5 g of added sugars, which can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose and may be unsuitable for tight diabetic control. The salt level is very low at 0.05 g, so it does not pose a significant threat to a hypertensive diet, but the overall high fat content should still be considered for cardiovascular health.

Is the lactose in Pipas Tijuana a concern for people with dairy intolerance or milk allergy?

Yes. The ingredient list includes lactose and the product is labeled with a milk allergen warning, making it unsuitable for anyone with lactose intolerance, dairy sensitivity, or a milk allergy.

Grefusa • 165 g

Pipas Tijuana

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

Pipas Tijuana are roasted unshelled sunflower seeds flavored with a spicy barbecue seasoning, sold in a 165 g plastic pack and marketed as a snack. The product belongs to the seed family of the PNNS groups, carries a NOVA 4 rating indicating ultra‑processing, and has no Nutri‑Score assigned, reflecting its high fat (22 g) and protein (13 g) content, moderate added sugars (10.5 g) and low salt (0.05 g) per 100 g. It also contains several additives such as maltodextrin, flavorings, colorants (E150, E160c) and flavour enhancer E621, includes lactose as an allergen, and bears warning labels for children under three and for persons with specific sensitivities.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars8.4 g

Fruits & Vegetables0 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for roasted sunflower seed snacks, Pipas Tijuana provides almost double the fat (22 g vs 12.2 g) and more than double the protein (13 g vs 5.6 g), while its salt is far lower (0.05 g vs 1.14 g) and its added sugars are slightly higher (10.5 g vs 10.1 g).

Ingredients

Semillas de girasol, maltodextrina, azúcar, sal, aroma, proteína vegetal hidrolizada, aroma de humo, levadura en polvo, _lactosa_, potenciadores del sabor (glutamato de monosodio, ribonucleotidos de disodio), levadura seca, ajo en polvo, pimiento jalapeño en polvo, colorantes (caramelo natural, extracto de pimentón), extracto de especias.

84%

35%

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