Why is Garden Gourmet Falafel Spinach classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is classified as NOVA 4 because the product is made from processed ingredients such as rehydrated chickpeas, refined vegetable oils and a buffered vinegar (acid regulator E267) that are combined in a ready-to-eat, refrigerated form; the only listed additive is the acidity regulator E267, while the rest of the formulation consists of whole foods and seasoning.

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

At 0.87 g of salt per 100 g, the falafel provides about 14 % of the WHO’s recommended maximum of 5 g of salt per day, which is relatively low for a processed meat-alternative and therefore less likely to exacerbate hypertension, though individuals on strict low-sodium regimens should still monitor total daily intake.

Is the wheat gluten in this product a concern for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?

Yes; the product lists wheat gluten as an ingredient, so it is not safe for anyone requiring a gluten-free diet, including those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Garden gourmet • 190 g

GARDEN GOURMET Falafel Epinards 190g

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Garden Gourmet Falafel Spinach is a refrigerated, plant-based falafel classified as a composite food and one-dish meal, made mainly from rehydrated chickpeas (60 %) and spinach (17.4 %). It carries a Nutri-Score of A and falls into the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting its use of vegetable oils, a buffered vinegar additive (E267) and a small amount of wheat gluten, with trace possible egg and soy. Nutritionally it offers 9.1 g of protein, 8.7 g of fiber and low sugars (1.3 g) per 100 g, but it also contains a moderate 0.87 g of salt and an estimated 9 g of fat, so consumers should weigh the high fiber and protein against the salt and processing level.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal203 kcal

Fat9.9 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates15 g

Sugars1.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the typical plant-based meat alternative (average 3.6 g sugar, 5.9 g fat and 3.6 g salt per 100 g), this falafel is low in sugar (1.3 g) and salt (0.87 g) but contains slightly more fat (≈9 g).

Ingredients

Pois chiches réhydratés 60% (pois chiches 34,9%, eau), épinards 17,4%, huiles végétales (tournesol, colza) en proportion variable, oignons, plantes aromatiques (persil 3,3%, menthe 1,1%, basilic 0,4%), correcteur d'acidité : vinaigre tamponné ; GLUTEN de BLÉ, amidon de maïs, sel, ail, poivre noir. Peut contenir : ŒUFS, SOJA.

84%

35%

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