Why is Masala Oats - Peppy Tomato classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labelled NOVA 4 because it contains several industrial ingredients such as maltodextrin, added sugar, salt, flavour enhancers (E627 and E631), and an antioxidant (E320), as well as added natural and nature‑identical flavourings, which all move it beyond minimally processed oat flakes.

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

With 7.4 g of sugar per 100 g, the product provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose, requiring portion control for diabetics. The salt level of 4.8 g per 100 g is high and can contribute to elevated blood pressure, so it is unsuitable for a low‑sodium hypertensive diet without careful moderation.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for a vegan or gluten‑free diet?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, so the cereal is technically vegan. However, it contains wheat powder and is labelled with a gluten allergen, making it unsuitable for people who need a gluten‑free diet.

Saffola • 38g

Masala Oats - Peppy Tomato

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Masala Oats - Peppy Tomato is a plant‑based breakfast cereal that falls under the Cereals and potatoes food group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that includes additives such as flavour enhancers (E627, E631) and an antioxidant (E320). While it offers a high dietary fibre content of 10 g per 100 g, it also contains a high salt level of 4.8 g per 100 g and overall modest nutritional balance.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal363 kcal

Fat7.6 g

Saturated Fat1.3 g

Carbohydrates70 g

Sugars7.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, this oat mix has lower sugar (7.4 g vs 9 g per 100 g) but higher fat (7.6 g vs 6.9 g) and markedly higher salt (4.8 g vs 3.0 g), placing it above typical category levels for sodium.

Ingredients

Rolled Oats (75%), maltodexrin, Spices and Condiments (5.8%) (Onion, Pepper, Garlic, Coriander, Cumin, Fenugreek, Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Clove), Salt, Sugar, Dried Vegetables (Carrot (0.7% ), French Beans (0.5%), Tomato (0.3 %), Hydrolysed vegetable Protein, Wheat Powder, Flavour Enhancer (627, 631), Antioxidant (320). CONTAINS ADDED FLAVOUR - NATURAL AND NATURE IDENTICAL FLAVOURING SUBSTANCES.

84%

35%

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