Why is Balaji wafers panjabi tadka classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is classified as ultra-processed because it contains refined vegetable oil, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, multiple flavor enhancers, acidity regulators and anti-caking agents that are typical of industrial food formulations; the listed additives are E296 (acidity regulator), E330 (anti-caking agent), E551 (silicon dioxide), E627 and E631 (flavour enhancers), plus nature-identical flavouring substances.

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

The product has a low sugar level of 2 g per 100 g, but the total carbohydrate content is 42.3 g, which can still raise blood glucose and should be monitored by diabetics; its salt level of 2.58 g per 100 g is relatively high and can contribute to elevated blood pressure, making it unsuitable for strict hypertensive diets.

Is the soy protein in this product a concern for people with soy allergy?

Yes, the ingredient list includes hydrolyzed vegetable protein derived from soy, which is a recognized soy allergen, so anyone with a soy allergy should avoid this snack.

Balaji • 22g

Balaji wafers panjabi tadka

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Balaji wafers panjabi tadka are a salty snack and appetizer (pnns_groups: Salty snacks, Appetizers) that carries a Nutri-Score of E and belongs to NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra-processed product. While it provides 7.7 g of protein and 6.5 g of fiber per 100 g, it is also very energy-dense with 43.9 g of fat (including 20.7 g of saturated fat) and 2.58 g of salt, reflecting a high-fat, high-salt profile that may be unsuitable for heart-healthy or low-sodium diets. The formulation contains palm-oil-derived fats, several food additives (E296, E330, E551, E627, E631), soy protein and whey, making it non-vegan and a potential allergen for those sensitive to soy or milk.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal608 kcal

Fat43.9 g

Saturated Fat20.7 g

Trans Fat0.10 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the typical snack averages, this wafer contains roughly double the fat (44 g vs 24 g), more than three times the saturated fat (21 g vs 5 g), less sugar (2 g vs 3.8 g) and far lower salt (2.6 g vs 52.6 g).

Ingredients

EDIBLE VEGETABLE OIL (PALMOLEIN, RICE BRAN), POTATO FLAKES (23%), CHICKPEA FLOUR (19%), MOTH BEAN FLOUR, STARCH, BLACK SALT, EDIBLE COMMON SALT, SUGAR, DEHYDRATED VEGETABLE POWDER ONION GARLIC, SPICES & CONDIMENTS (CHILLI, DRY MANGO, CUMIN, CORIANDER TURMERIC, NUTMEG, MACE), MILK SOLIDS (WHEY) (0.06%), HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN (SOYA), ACIDITY REGULATOR (INS 296, INS 330 ANTICAKING AGENT (INS 551), FLAVOUR ENHANCER (INS 627, INS 631 TURAL & NATURE IDENTICAL FLAVOURING SUBSTANCES (CHILLI, CUMIN

84%

35%

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