Why is Horchata de chufa classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Because the formulation includes refined sugar, an emulsifier (citroglycerides), stabilizers (cellulose gel and cellulose gum) and natural flavorings, it goes beyond simple ingredient mixing, fitting the definition of an ultra-processed food and thus receives a NOVA 4 rating.

How does the sugar content in this horchata affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 11.6 g of sugar per 100 g, the drink can raise blood glucose quickly, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control, while its very low salt (0.02 g) does not add to hypertension risk, but the high sugar remains the primary concern.

Is the tigernut (chufa) in this product a potential allergen for people with nut allergies?

Tigernut is a tuber, not a true nut, and is generally considered safe for individuals with tree-nut allergies; however, rare cases of tigernut sensitivity exist, so anyone with known nut allergies should verify tolerability.

Hacendado

Horchata de chufa

Beverages

Product Insights

Horchata de chufa is a plant-based milk substitute beverage from the Hacendado brand, sold at Mercadona in Spain. It belongs to the plant-based milk substitutes group within the beverages category, carries a Nutri-Score of E and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), containing 11.6 g of sugars per 100 g, moderate fat and low salt, which makes it high in sugar but low in saturated fat and sodium. While it offers a dairy-free alternative and a modest energy content (about 76 kcal per 100 g), the high sugar level, added emulsifier (citroglycerides) and stabilizers (cellulose gel and gum) detract from its nutritional quality.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal76 kcal

Fat2.5 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates12.9 g

Sugars11.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average plant-based beverage, it contains slightly more sugars (11.6 g vs 10.75 g) but less energy (about 76 kcal vs 142 kcal), lower saturated fat (0.9 g vs 3.4 g) and far less salt (0.02 g vs 0.37 g).

Ingredients

Agua, chufa (12%), azúcar, emulgente (citroglicéridos), estabilizantes (gel de celulosa y goma de celulosa) y aromas naturales.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Horchata de chufa.

Hacendado