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

The product combines several processed components such as refined wheat bread, cooked chicken meat, cheese and mayonnaise, and includes multiple food‑grade additives: calcium propionate (E282), sorbic acid (E200), potassium sorbate (E202), ascorbic acid (E300), L‑cysteine (E920), calcium disodium EDTA (E1422), sodium triphosphate (E331), sodium erythorbate (E385), sodium carbonate (E500), plus colourants (beta‑carotene, paprika extract) and flavourings.

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

With 2.3 g of sugar and 1.2 g of salt per 100 g, the sandwich is low in sugar, which is favorable for blood‑glucose control, but the salt level is moderate; regular consumption could contribute to higher sodium intake, which may be problematic for people managing hypertension.

Based on the ingredients, is this sandwich suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The sandwich is not vegan because it contains dairy cheese, egg yolk in mayonnaise and whey‑derived ingredients. It is not gluten‑free due to wheat flour and gluten. It is not strictly keto because it provides about 20 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. Halal suitability is uncertain: while no pork is listed, the presence of L‑cysteine (E920) may be derived from animal sources, so consumers requiring verified halal certification should check the supplier.

Hacendado

Sandwich pollo

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Sandwich pollo is a pre‑packaged chicken sandwich sold by Mercadona under the Hacendado brand. It belongs to the Composite foods – Sandwiches group, carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed product. Per 100 g it provides about 321 kcal, 21 g of fat (including 5 g saturated), 12 g of protein and 1.2 g of salt, which means it is relatively high in fat and saturated fat but low in sugar compared with typical sandwiches.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal321 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sandwich (4.5 g sugar, 19 g fat, 6.5 g saturated fat, 3.2 g salt per 100 g), this chicken sandwich offers less sugar and salt but higher fat and saturated fat.

Ingredients

Pan de molde de trigo (42%): harina de trigo, agua, levadura, aceite vegetal (girasol), azúcar, sal, gluten de trigo, conservadores (propionato cálcico, ácido sórbico y sorbato potásico), almidón de maíz, harina de soja, agentes de tratamiento de la harina (ácido ascórbico, L-cisteina). Relleno de pollo (35%): (fiambre de pechuga de pollo asada (60%) (pechuga de pollo asada (97%), almidón de arroz, dextrosa, sal, xilosa, antioxidante (E-331), regulador de acidez (E-500)), mayonesa (40%) (aceite de soja, agua, yema de huevo pasteurizada, jarabe de glucosa y fructosa, vinagre de uva, almidón modificado de maíz (estabilizante: E-1422), sal, zumo de limón concentrado, aroma, colorantes (betacaroteno y extracto de pimentón) y antioxidante (E-385))). Queso gouda (12%): leche de vaca pasteurizada, sal, fermentos lácticos, coagulante microbiano. Mayonesa (11%): aceite de soja, agua, yema de huevo pasteurizada, jarabe de glucosa y fructosa, vinagre de uva, almidón modificado de maíz (estabilizante: E-1422), sal, zumo de limón concentrado, aroma, colorantes (betacaroteno y extracto de pimentón) y antioxidante (E-385). Puede contener trazas de crustáceos, pescado, frutos de cáscara, sésamo, mostaza, sulfitos.

84%

35%

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