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

The pastry scores NOVA 4 because its formulation relies on refined wheat flour, added sugars, palm oil, hydrogenated fats and a long list of industrial additives, including emulsifiers (E471, E322), stabilisers (E466, E440), sweeteners (sucralose E955), preservatives (calcium propionate E282, potassium sorbate E202), antioxidants (E300, E304, E306, E321) and anti-caking agents (E551, E170), among others.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 11 g of sugar and 0.68 g of salt per 100 g, the pastry provides a moderate amount of sugar and a relatively low salt level, but the high total carbohydrate and fat load can raise blood glucose and energy intake, while the salt, although below the category average, may still contribute to sodium intake for hypertensive individuals.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like vegan, keto, halal or gluten-free?

No; the recipe contains egg, wheat gluten, lard and palm oil, so it is not vegan, not gluten-free, and the presence of pork-derived lard makes it unsuitable for halal diets, while the high carbohydrate content disqualifies it from keto regimens.

Hacendado

Ensaimadas

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Ensaimadas are sweet, yeast-leavened pastries typically eaten for breakfast and belong to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups. They carry a Nutri-Score of E and are classified as NOVA 4 ultra-processed, with high fat (27 g), high saturated fat (14 g), moderate sugar (11 g) and low salt (0.68 g per 100 g, 454 kcal), providing a dense energy source but also many additives (24 E-numbers, palm oil, lard, emulsifiers, preservatives). Allergens such as eggs, gluten and traces of milk, nuts and soy are present, making it unsuitable for those with those sensitivities.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal454 kcal

Fat27 g

Saturated Fat14 g

Carbohydrates36 g

Sugars11 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical breakfast pastries (average 28.98 g sugar, 17.65 g fat, 1.98 g salt per 100 g), this Ensaimada contains much less sugar and salt but considerably more fat, saturated fat and calories.

Ingredients

pastry product with sugars and sweetener, ncreents: wheat flour, vegetable oils and fats (palm and sunflower), hydrogenated vegetable fat from palm, pasteurized egg, sugar, lard, yeast, tido sugar, wheat gluten, sorbitol, egg albumin, emuigents (e-471, sunflower lecithin, e - 322, e-472e, e-470a, e-477, e-481, e-1520), stabilizers (glycerin, pectin, e-466), water, salt, flavourings, preservatives (calcium propionate, potassium sorbate), corn starch, sweetener (sucralose), antioxidants (e-300, e-304, e-306, e-321), anti-caking agents (e-551, e-170), acidity correctors (citric acid, lactic acid, e-516), enzymes, dye (hatacarotene), traces of milk and/or derivatives, nuts and soy,

84%

35%

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