Why is Merluza empanada classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labeled NOVA 4 because the hake is minced and reconstituted (polme), combined with a breaded coating, added oils, salt, sugars and other processed ingredients, and it contains three food additives: calcium carbonate (E-170) as an anti-caking agent, ascorbic acid (E-300) as an antioxidant, and esterified monoglycerides of fatty acids (E-472e) as an emulsifier.

How does the sugar and salt content in Merluza empanada affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The low sugar level (0.5 g per 100 g) means it adds little carbohydrate load for diabetics, while the 0.72 g of salt per 100 g contributes around 12% of the recommended daily limit, so it should be consumed in moderation by those managing high blood pressure.

Is the wheat gluten in Merluza empanada a concern for people following a gluten-free diet?

Yes, the breaded coating is made with wheat flour and contains gluten, making the product unsuitable for anyone who must avoid gluten.

Hacendado • 510g

Merluza empanada

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Merluza empanada is a frozen breaded hake fillet sold by Hacendado at Mercadona and belongs to the fish and seafood group. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), providing 10.3 g of protein and low sugar per 100 g while containing moderate fat and about 0.7 g of salt. The product includes three additives (E-170, E-300, E-472e), wheat gluten and shellfish allergens, and its Eco-Score of F highlights sustainability concerns.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal168 kcal

Fat6.9 g

Saturated Fat2.5 g

Carbohydrates16.3 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average frozen breaded fish product, this fillet contains less sugar (0.5 g vs 0.98 g) and markedly lower salt (0.72 g vs 5.32 g), but its saturated fat (2.5 g) exceeds the typical level and its protein (10.3 g) falls short of the category average (18.0 g).

Ingredients

PESCADA (PEIXE) (65%), polme (35%): pão ralado (19%) [farinha de TRIGO (GLUTEN), água, levedura, sal, dextrose, pimentão, levedura de panificação (antiaglomerante E-170, emulsionante E-472e, antioxidante E-300), açúcar, extratos de especiarias e curcuma], água, óleo de girassol, amido, farinha de TRIGO (GLUTEN), sal e sumo de limão concentrado. Pode conter vestígios de leite, ovo, crustáceos, moluscos, soja e mostarda.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.