Why is Croquetas de jamón classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is made from a blend of processed ingredients such as pasteurised milk, cured ham, refined starches and a rehydrated breading mix, together with numerous food‑industry additives – preservatives (E 250, 252, 202), antioxidants (E 301, 331i), acidity regulators (E 341i, 330), emulsifiers (E 471, 322), leavening agents (E 500ii) and colourants (E 160a) – which place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How do the fat and saturated‑fat levels in these croquettes impact a heart‑healthy diet?

With 7 g total fat and 3.2 g saturated fat per 100 g, the croquettes exceed the average frozen meal’s fat content and contribute a notable amount of saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol; consumers on a heart‑healthy plan should limit portion size or pair them with lower‑fat sides.

Are Croquetas de jamón suitable for gluten‑free, vegan or keto diets?

The product is labeled gluten‑free, but it contains dairy milk, soy and pork ham, so it is unsuitable for vegan or vegetarian diets, and its 17 g of carbohydrates per 100 g makes it incompatible with strict keto regimens.

Hacendado • 15 a 18 unidades. Peso 500 gr

Croquetas de jamón

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Croquetas de jamón are frozen ham croquettes marketed by Hacendado, classified under the composite foods and one‑dish meals groups. Per 100 g they provide 161 kcal, 8 g protein and 7 g fat, delivering more fat, saturated fat and protein than the typical frozen meal average, while containing less sugar, salt, carbohydrates and energy. The product is rated NOVA 4, indicating ultra‑processed status, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and includes several additives (E 202, 250, 252, 301, 322, 330, 331i, 341i, 415, 428, 451i, 461, 471, 500ii) as well as allergens such as milk, soy and possible traces of crustaceans, egg and fish.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal161 kcal

Fat7 g

Saturated Fat3.2 g

Carbohydrates17 g

Sugars2.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average frozen ready‑meal, these croquettes contain more fat (7 g vs 5.9 g) and saturated fat (3.2 g vs 1.9 g) but less sugar (2.3 g vs 3.6 g), salt (0.85 g vs 3.55 g) and calories (161 kcal vs 175 kcal).

Ingredients

Leche entera pasteurizada (55%), jamón curado (18%) Jamón de cerdo, sal, azúcar, antioxidantes (citrato sódico, ascorbato sódico), conservadores (nitrato potásico, nitrito sódico)], almidón de maíz, pan rallado harina de arroz, dextrosa, agua, sal, gasificante (bicarbonato sódico), emulgente (mono y diglicéridos de ácidos grasos), regulador de acidez (fosfato monocálcico)], margarina (aceites y grasas vegetales (palma, coco, soja, girasol), agua, emulgentes (mono y diglicéridos de ácidos grasos, lecitinas), sal, acidulante (ácido cítrico), conservador (sorbato de potasio), aromas, colorante (carotenos)], gelificante (gelatina), aceite de girasol, preparado para empanar rehidratado [almidones (maíz, patata), leche en polvo desnatada, emulgentes (trifosfato pentasódico, goma guar, goma xantana), sal], espesante (metilcelulosa), emulsionante (mono - y diglicéridos de ácidos grasos), Puede contener trazas de crustáceos, huevo, pescado, soja, apio, moluscos Plato precocinado ultracongelado, Conservación: Mantener a - 18°C, No volver a congelar el producto una vez descongelado, www,mercadona,es 900 500 103 Sugerencia de presentación 8 480000 2312 5 ci A Fabricado por Precocinados Frisa, S,L,U, Pol, Ind, Alesves 2, calle A nave 2 31330 Villafranca (Navarra) ES L 26,00021/NA GE 15-18 unidades Peso neto: 5009

84%

35%

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