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

The snack mixes refined flours, multiple vegetable oils and a range of processed ingredients such as hydrolysed vegetable protein and acidity regulators, which places it in the NOVA 4 category. It contains the additives E330 (citric acid), E296 (sorbic acid), E551 (silicon dioxide), E627 (disodium guanylate), E631 (disodium inosinate) and E635 (disodium 5‑ribonucleotide).

How does the sugar and salt content in Soya sticks affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Each 100 g portion provides 5 g of sugar, which can raise blood glucose levels and should be limited in diabetes management, while 1.33 g of salt contributes to daily sodium intake and may increase blood pressure, making it less suitable for hypertensive individuals.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like Vegan, Keto, Halal, or Gluten‑Free?

All ingredients are plant‑based, so the snack is vegan and generally compatible with Halal standards, but it contains 51 g of carbohydrates, making it unsuitable for a ketogenic diet, and it is formulated without wheat, so it is gluten‑free unless cross‑contamination occurs during processing.

Bikaji • 200

Soya sticks

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Soya sticks are a savory snack made primarily from soy powder, black gram flour, rice and lentil flours, fried in vegetable oils. They belong to the Salty snacks group, carry a Nutri‑Score of E and are classified as NOVA 4 ultra‑processed, with high fat (36 g/100 g) and saturated fat (11 g) and moderate salt (1.33 g) and sugar (5 g), while providing 6 g protein but no fiber. The formulation includes several additives (E330, E296, E551, E627, E631, E635) and common allergens (soy, sesame, mustard), which may limit suitability for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal551 kcal

Fat36 g

Saturated Fat11 g

Carbohydrates51 g

Sugars5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average salty snacks, Soya sticks contain substantially more fat, saturated fat and sugar, but considerably less salt per 100 g.

Ingredients

Edible Vegetable Oil (Palmolein Oil, Cottonseed Oil), Tapioca Starch, Black Gram Flour, Soya Powder (7%), Rice Flour, Whole Lentil Flour, Ground Spices & Condiments (lodised Salt, Sugar, Maltodextrin, Fennel, Cumin, Red Chilli, Ginger, Turmeric (Colouring & Spices), Dry Mango Powder, Corn Starch, Garlic, Mustard Seeds, Acidity Regulator (INS 330, INS 296), Anticaking Agent (INS 551), Asafoetida, Flavouring Enhancer (INS 627, INS 631, INS 635), Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein (Soya)), Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm, Soybean, Sunflower and Sesame) CONTAINS: SOY, SESAME, MUSTARD

84%

35%

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