Why is GARDEN GOURMET Merguez Végétale Soja classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is considered ultra-processed because it combines isolated soy protein, concentrated vegetable extracts and several industrial ingredients, and it lists five additives: acidity regulator E267, colourant paprika extract E160c, sodium alginate (E401) as a gelling agent, calcium chloride (E461) and additional calcium chloride (E509) as stabilisers.

How does the salt level in this vegan merguez affect a hypertensive or low-sodium diet?

With 1.1 g of salt per 100 g (about 440 mg of sodium), the product contributes a moderate amount of sodium; people who need to limit salt should consume it in controlled portions or pair it with low-salt sides to stay within recommended daily limits.

Is GARDEN GOURMET Merguez Végétale Soja suitable for a strict vegan and gluten-free diet?

The sausage is vegan because it contains no animal ingredients, but it includes wheat-derived soy sauce, so it is not gluten-free and also lists soy and possible egg traces as allergens, making it unsuitable for strict gluten-free or egg-free diets.

Garden gourmet, Sensational • 180 g

GARDEN GOURMET Merguez Végétale Soja 180g

Meat Alternatives

Product Insights

GARDEN GOURMET Merguez Végétale Soja is a 180 g vegan plant-based merguez sausage made from soy protein, water, rapeseed oil and vegetable concentrates, falling within the plant-based meat-analogue (meat-alternative) group. It carries a Nutri-Score of A and a NOVA classification of 4, offering about 11.8 g of protein and 6.4 g of fiber per 100 g while keeping sugars low at 1.2 g, but it contains a moderate 1.1 g of salt and five food additives including a colourant (E160c) and stabiliser (E401). Although marketed as vegan, the formulation includes soy, wheat (gluten) and a precautionary "may contain egg" statement, making it unsuitable for those with soy, gluten or egg sensitivities.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal210 kcal

Fat15.3 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates3 g

Sugars1.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared to typical plant-based sausages, this vegan merguez delivers roughly 12 g of protein and over 6 g of fiber per 100 g while keeping sugars under 2 g, positioning it as a protein-rich, low-sugar alternative despite its moderate salt level.

Ingredients

Eau, concentré de protéines de SOJA 16,5%, huile de colza, correcteur d'acidité : vinaigre tamponné ; stabilisant : méthylcellulose ; concentrés végétaux (pomme, betterave, carotte, hibiscus), cumin 1,2%, purée de pomme, arômes naturels, fibres d'agrumes, sel, coriandre 0,7%, enveloppe comestible (gélifiant : alginate de sodium ; stabilisant : chlorure de calcium ; amidon de tapioca), paprika fumé 0,4%, poivres, oignon, ail, gingembre, sauce SOJA en poudre (fèves de SOJA, BLÉ, sel), colorant : extrait de paprika. Peut contenir : ŒUFS.

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