Why is Hick-Hack-Hurra classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The product is made from a texturised soy base that undergoes extensive extrusion and seasoning, a process that places it in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category. Its formulation includes acidifiers (lactic acid E270, potassium acetate E261), a thickener (konjac gum E425i), flavorings, and a small amount of barley malt extract, all typical of highly processed foods.

Is Hick-Hack-Hurra suitable for a vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb (keto) diet?

The product is fully plant-based and certified vegan, but it is not gluten-free because it contains soy flour and may have traces of wheat, rye, barley and oats; it also lists barley malt extract as an ingredient. With only 2 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, it fits a low-carb regimen, yet the presence of trace gluten makes it unsuitable for strict gluten-free diets.

Do the soy, barley malt extract and possible wheat traces in Hick-Hack-Hurra pose allergy risks?

Soy is the main protein source and is a common allergen, so individuals allergic to soy should avoid the product. Barley malt extract and the precautionary statement about wheat, rye, oats, celery and mustard indicate potential cross‑contamination, which can trigger reactions in people sensitive to those foods.

The vegetarian Butcher • 180g

Hick-Hack-Hurra

Meat Alternatives

Product Insights

Hick-Hack-Hurra is a soy-based minced meat analogue marketed by The Vegetarian Butcher, positioned in the protein foods group of the French PNNS. It carries a Nutri-Score of A and is classified in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category, offering 16 g protein and 6.6 g fiber per 100 g while containing only 2.5 g fat, 0.3 g saturated fat, 0.6 g sugars and 1 g salt. However, the product includes several additives such as acidifiers (E270, E261), a thickener (E425i), and flavorings, and it may contain traces of gluten, wheat, rye, barley, celery and mustard, which could be concerns for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal110 kcal

Fat2.5 g

Saturated Fat0.3 g

Carbohydrates2 g

Sugars0.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average meat-alternative (per 100 g), Hick-Hack-Hurra provides markedly lower fat (2.5 g vs 9.5 g), sugars (0.6 g vs 1.9 g) and salt (1 g vs 2.0 g), while delivering higher fiber (6.6 g vs 3.9 g) and protein (16 g vs 14.6 g).

Ingredients

91% texturierte Sojabasis (Trinkwasser, 18% SOJAEIWEISS, 8,8% SOJAMEHL), Sonnenblumenöl, Hefeextrakt, Stärke, jodiertes Speisesalz, Zwiebeln, Röstzwiebeln, Pfeffer, Knoblauch, Säuerungsmittel (Milchsäure), GERSTENMALZEXTRAKT, Säureregulator (Kaliumacetat), Branntweinessig / Weingeistessig, Aromen, Kaliumchlorid, Verdickungsmittel (Konjakgummi), Vitamin B12, Zinkoxid. Kann WEIZEN, ROGGEN, HAFER, SELLERIE, SENF enthalten.

84%

35%

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