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

Wheels combines refined wheat flour, vegetable oil, starches, spices and a range of food‑grade additives, placing it in NOVA 4, the ultra‑processed category. Its additives include acidity regulators (E296, E330, E334), anti‑caking agents (E551, E341 III), flavour enhancers (E627, E631), paprika extract (E160c) and both natural and nature‑identical flavourings.

How does the high saturated‑fat and salt content in wheels affect a hypertensive or heart‑healthy diet?

The product’s saturated‑fat level (10.3 g per 100 g) is double the typical snack average and can raise LDL cholesterol, while its salt content far exceeds the average 52.6 g, contributing to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risk; therefore it should be limited or avoided in heart‑healthy or hypertension‑focused eating plans.

Is the wheat flour in wheels a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes. The main ingredient is refined wheat flour (maida), which contains gluten, so wheels is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Balaji • 22 g

wheels

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Wheels is a vegetarian salty snack classified under the 'Salty snacks' and 'Appetizers' groups. It has a Nutri‑Score of E, is labeled vegetarian, and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), featuring low sugar (3 g/100 g) and an unusually high protein content (75 g/100 g), but its saturated fat (10.3 g), salt (far above the 52.6 g average) and lack of fiber are far above typical snack levels. While its total fat (21.5 g) is slightly below the average for salty snacks, the combination of high saturated fat, extreme salt, and multiple food additives makes it a less healthy choice despite the protein boost.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal484 kcal

Fat21.5 g

Saturated Fat10.3 g

Carbohydrates62.6 g

Sugars3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average salty snack (fat 23.6 g, sugar 3.8 g, saturated fat 5.1 g, salt 52.6 g, protein 8 g), wheels contains slightly less total fat (21.5 g) and lower sugar (3 g), but its saturated fat (10.3 g), salt (far above the 52.6 g average) and protein (75 g) are markedly higher, while it provides no fiber.

Ingredients

REFINED WHEAT FLOUR (MAIDA) (60%), EDIBLE VEGETABLE OIL (PALMOLEIN, RICE BRAN), TAPIOCA STARCH, CORN FLOUR, EDIBLE COMMON SALT, DEHYDRATED VEGETABLE POWDER (ONION, GARLIC, TAMARIND), SPICES & CONDIMENTS 2% (DRY MANGO, CHILLI, PEPPER, CUMIN), SUGAR, YEAST EXTRACT, ACIDITY REGULATOR (INS 296, INS 330, INS 334), NATURAL & NATURE IDENTICAL FLAVOURING SUBSTANCES (MASALA), FLAVOUR ENHANCER (INS 627, INS 631), ANTICAKING AGENT (INS 551, INS 341 (III)), PAPRIKA EXTRACT (INS 160C).

84%

35%

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