Why is Penne with Broccoli classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The meal combines refined wheat semolina, palm oil, glucose syrup and several flavor enhancers, which are typical ingredients of ultra‑processed foods, placing it in NOVA 4. Its only listed additive is citric acid (E330) used as an acidity regulator, and a flavoring that includes celery extract.

How does the salt content in Penne with Broccoli affect a hypertensive diet?

The product contains 0.7 g of salt per 100 g, roughly 1 g in a full 146 g pack, which is lower than the average ready‑meal salt level but still contributes to daily sodium intake, so people managing hypertension should consume it in moderation and balance it with low‑salt foods.

Is Penne with Broccoli suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or vegetarian diets?

The meal is not vegan because it includes milk protein, and it is not gluten‑free due to the wheat semolina base. It is acceptable for lacto‑vegetarians, as the only animal‑derived ingredient is dairy, and it contains no meat or fish.

Knorr • 146 g

Penne mit Broccoli

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Penne with Broccoli is a 146 g ready‑to‑eat pasta meal from Knorr, placed in the One‑dish meals category. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), with moderate fat (3.4 g), moderate salt (0.7 g), low sugars (0.5 g) and 110 kcal per 100 g, while containing milk protein and allergens such as celery and milk. The product is suitable for lacto‑vegetarians but not for vegans or gluten‑free diets, and it includes palm oil, which raises sustainability concerns despite being labeled no‑preservative.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal110 kcal

Fat3.4 g

Saturated Fat1.8 g

Carbohydrates16 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar ready meals, this product provides lower sugars (0.5 g vs 3.57 g), lower fat (3.4 g vs 5.94 g), lower saturated fat (1.8 g vs 1.94 g), lower salt (0.7 g vs 3.55 g) and lower energy (110 kcal vs 174.6 kcal).

Ingredients

72% HARTWEIZENGRIESSTEIGWAREN, Palmöl, 2,5% Broccoli', Kartoffelstärke, Glukosesirup, Hefeextrakt, jodiertes Speisesalz, MILCHEIWEISS, Blumenkohl', Zwiebeln', Lauch', 0,2% Broccoli, Maltodextrin, Spinat', Schnittlauch', Petersilie', Säuerungsmittel (Citronensäure), Gemüsesaftkonzentrate (Steckrübensaft, Wirsingsaft), Muskatnuss, Pfeffer, Curcuma, Aromen (mit SELLERIE).

84%

35%

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