Why is Vegetarische Chik’n Crispy Sticks classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The snack combines many industrial ingredients such as texturised wheat protein, modified wheat starch, various plant oils, thickeners, flavour powders and a cheese powder, all of which are manufactured separately before being assembled, which places it in the NOVA 4 category. The label lists three food additives: E404 (calcium alginate), E461 (methylcellulose) and E326 (potassium lactate).

How does the salt content in this product affect a hypertensive or low‑sodium diet?

With 1.28 g of salt per 100 g (about 1280 mg of sodium), the sticks contribute a significant portion of the recommended maximum daily sodium intake, making them less suitable for people managing high blood pressure or following a low‑salt diet, even though the sugar level is low.

Is the egg‑white protein in Vegetarische Chik’n Crispy Sticks a concern for people with egg allergies?

Yes. The ingredient list includes chicken egg‑white protein, which is an established egg allergen. Consumers who are allergic to eggs should avoid this product.

Valess • 160 gram

Vegetarische Chik’n Crispy Sticks

Meat Alternatives

Product Insights

Vegetarische Chik’n Crispy Sticks are a 160 g plant‑based chicken‑style snack sold at Albert Heijn, positioned in the meat alternatives PNNS group. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as NOVA 4, delivering 11 g of protein and 4.8 g of fiber per 100 g while keeping sugars low and providing calcium and iron, though it also contains a moderate amount of fat (9.4 g) and salt (1.28 g). It is an ultra‑processed item that includes additives E404 (calcium alginate), E461 (methylcellulose) and E326 (potassium lactate) and lists milk, egg and gluten as allergens, which may be concerning for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal230 kcal

Fat9.4 g

Saturated Fat1.2 g

Carbohydrates23 g

Sugars0.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical snack products, these sticks offer notably higher protein and lower sugar but have salt and fat levels similar to other processed meat analogues.

Ingredients

56% magere MELK, paneermeel met tortillastukjes (TARWEmeel, maïsmeel, tomatenpoeder, uienpoeder, zout, gist, suiker, kruiden, specerijen, raapzaadolie, chilivlokken), plantaardige olie (maïs, raapzaad, zonnebloem, in wisselende verhoudingen), getextureerd TARWE-eiwit, TARWEmeel, verdikkingsmiddel (calciumalginaat, methylcellulose), gemodificeerd TARWEzetmeel, HAVERvezel, kippenEI-eiwit, stabilisator (polyfosfaat), voedingszuur (kaliumlactaat), cheddar kaaspoeder (MELK), natuurlijk aroma (MELK), specerijen, zout, ijzer.

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.