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

Becel falls into NOVA group 4 because its formulation involves industrial processing steps such as oil refining, emulsification, and the addition of preserved ingredients; the label lists four food‑grade additives: E322 (lecithins), E471 (mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids), E202 (potassium sorbate) and E330 (citric acid).

How does the salt level in this spread impact blood pressure for people on a low‑sodium diet?

At 0.72 g of salt per 100 g, the spread provides about 720 mg of sodium, which is roughly one‑third of the World Health Organization’s daily limit of 2 g of sodium (5 g of salt). Regular consumption can contribute to elevated blood pressure, so individuals monitoring sodium should use the product sparingly.

Is the presence of milk (buttermilk) and soy a problem for common food allergies, and can vegans consume this product?

Yes, the product contains buttermilk (a milk derivative) and soy, both of which are listed allergens, making it unsuitable for people with dairy or soy allergies. Because it includes dairy, it is not considered vegan, even though the vegetable oils themselves are plant‑based.

Becel • 225g

Becel

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Becel is a plant‑based spreadable margarine that belongs to the Fat and sauces group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature and inclusion of several additives such as E322 (lecithin), E471 (mono‑ and diglycerides), E202 (potassium sorbate) and E330 (citric acid). Nutritionally, the spread is high in total fat (70 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (12 g), moderate in salt (0.72 g) while providing very low sugars (0.6 g) and limited protein (0.5 g).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal623 kcal

Fat70 g

Saturated Fat12 g

Carbohydrates0.6 g

Sugars0.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar spreads, Becel contains far less sugar (0.6 g vs 3.64 g), lower total fat (70 g vs 76.6 g) and saturated fat (12 g vs 21.7 g), but its salt level (0.72 g) is higher than the typical 0.39 g, resulting in a lower overall energy content (623 kcal vs 709 kcal).

Ingredients

Óleos vegetais (colza (58%), soja, girassol (0,7%), linhaça (0,3%)), água, leitelho (LEITE), gordura de palma, sal (0,7%), emulsionantes (lecitinas, mono e diglicéridos de ácidos gordos), conservante (sorbato de potássio), acidificante (ácido cítrico), aroma natural, vitaminas A, D, tiamina e corante (carctenos). O ALA (Ómega 3) e o ácido linoleico (ómega 6) contribuem para a manutenção dos níveis normais de colesterol no sangue. O efeito benéfico é obtido com uma dose diária de 2g de ALA (Omega 3) e 10g de LA (Omega 6). 2 porções de 10g Becel fornecem uma contribuição importante para isso.

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