Why is Pimientos del piquillo classified as a processed product (NOVA 3) and which additives does it contain?

It is assigned to NOVA group 3 because the raw peppers are treated with added ingredients such as sugar, salt and citric acid, which constitute a level of processing beyond simple packaging. The only additive listed is citric acid (E330), used as an acidulant.

How does the high salt content of this product affect people with hypertension or cardiovascular concerns?

At 9.74 g of salt per 100 g, the product far exceeds the recommended daily maximum of about 5 g of sodium, potentially raising blood pressure and increasing cardiovascular risk for hypertensive individuals; consumption should therefore be limited or avoided.

Is this piquillo pepper product suitable for a vegan diet, considering its sugar and citric acid ingredients?

All listed ingredients, piquillo peppers, sugar, salt and citric acid, are plant‑derived and contain no animal products, making the product technically vegan. However, sugar can sometimes be refined using animal bone char, so strict vegans may wish to confirm the sugar source.

Hacendado

Pimientos del piquillo

Fruits And Vegetables

Product Insights

Pimientos del piquillo are sweet red‑orange peppers sold by Mercadona under the Hacendado brand and belong to the fruits‑and‑vegetables family (PNNS groups: Fruits and vegetables, Vegetables). The product carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is placed in NOVA group 3, reflecting moderate processing and the inclusion of added sugar, salt and citric acid; it provides low fat (0.6 g) and modest calories (52 kcal) but a very high salt level (9.7 g per 100 g) and moderate sugars (7.2 g). While it supplies some fiber (2.9 g) and vitamin C, the excessive sodium and added sugars diminish many of its nutritional advantages.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal52 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average vegetable product, this piquillo pepper contains roughly double the sugar (7.2 g vs 3.6 g) and more than twelve times the salt (9.7 g vs 0.7 g), while providing less fat, fiber, protein and calories.

Ingredients

pimientos del piquillo, azúcar y sal. Acidulante: ácido cítrico

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Pimientos del piquillo.

HACENDADO