Why is Arroz negro classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The dish combines refined white rice with a processed black sauce and pre‑cooked seafood, all formulated with industrial ingredients such as sodium metabisulphite (E223), citric acid (E330) and polyphosphates (E452), which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the salt content in Arroz negro affect a hypertensive or low‑sodium diet?

With 0.81 g of salt per 100 g (about 330 mg of sodium), the product contributes a moderate amount to daily sodium limits; people managing hypertension should account for it within their overall daily allowance.

Is the shrimp present in Arroz negro a concern for shellfish allergies?

Yes, the recipe includes shrimp (gamba) and lists crustaceans as allergens, so anyone allergic to shellfish should avoid this product.

Hacendado • 600 g

Arroz negro

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Arroz negro is a ready‑to‑eat, single‑serve rice dish from Mercadona’s Hacendado brand, classified in the Composite foods/One‑dish meals group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that includes three food additives (E223 sodium metabisulphite, E330 citric acid, and E452 polyphosphates). Nutritionally, the portion provides low sugar (0.5 g), low fat (0.9 g) and modest calories (98 kcal) per 100 g, but salt is moderate (0.81 g) and protein (4.3 g) and fiber (0.5 g) are below average for similar meals.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal98 kcal

Fat0.9 g

Saturated Fat0.2 g

Carbohydrates18 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average values for similar rice dishes, Arroz negro contains far less sugar, fat, saturated fat and calories, while also delivering lower protein and fiber but a modestly reduced salt level.

Ingredients

Arroz blanco (58%), salsa negra (15%) [agua, caldo de pescado especias caldo de pescado en polvo (sal, almidón de maíz, extracto vino blanco, pescado), sal, colorante: extracto de nimentón y especias], calamar gamba pelada (gamba, agua, sal, antioxidante: ácido cítrico, estabilizante: polifosfatos y conservador: metabisulfito sódico) y cebolla. Contiene pescado, crustáceos, moluscos, gluten y sulmtos. de levadura, pescado en polvo, gamba en polvo, azúcar, aroma (contiene

84%

35%

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