Why is Sweet Chili noodle bowl classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product combines refined wheat flour, modified starches, a complex sauce and several food-grade additives, which meets the criteria for NOVA 4 ultra-processed foods. Its listed additives are lactic acid (E270), rosemary extract (E392) and xanthan gum (E415).

How do the sugar and salt levels in Sweet Chili noodle bowl affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Each 226 g serving provides 14 g of sugar, which can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes and is unsuitable for tight diabetic control, while the 2.1 g of salt contributes about 35 percent of the recommended daily sodium limit, potentially worsening hypertension.

Is Sweet Chili noodle bowl suitable for vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?

The bowl is certified vegan and contains no animal-derived ingredients, but it includes wheat flour and gluten, so it is not gluten-free. With 105 g of total carbohydrates and 14 g of added sugars, it is also not compatible with low-carb dietary plans.

Annie Chun’s • 1 bowl 226g

Sweet Chili noodle bowl

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Sweet Chili noodle bowl belongs to the plant-based instant noodle segment and falls under the PNNS group "Cereals". It is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food and carries no Nutri-Score label, reflecting its highly refined ingredients and additive package. While it offers a decent 12 g of protein and 10 g of fiber per 226 g serving, it also delivers 14 g of sugar, 2.1 g of salt and several additives (E270, E392, E415), making it a protein-rich but high-sugar, high-salt option for vegans with gluten, soy and sesame allergens.

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical instant noodle products, Sweet Chili noodle bowl provides higher protein (12 g) and fiber (10 g) per serving but also contains significantly more sugar (14 g) and salt (2.1 g), positioning it as a protein-enhanced yet high-sugar choice.

Ingredients

HOKKIEN NOODLES: WATER, WHEAT FLOUR, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, WHEAT GLUTEN, LACTIC ACID. SAUCE: SUGAR, HOT PEPPER PASTE (WHEAT FLOUR, RICE SYRUP, WATER, RED PEPPER POWDER, SALT, WHEAT,DEFATTED SOYBEAN POWDER, COOKING RICE WINE, KOJI), SOY SAUCE (WATER, SOYBEANS, WHEAT, SALT), WATER, CANOLA OIL, DEXTROSE, RICE VINEGAR, TOMATO PASTE, GARLIC PUREE, MALTODEXTRIN, SESAME OIL, LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SPICE, ROSEMARY EXTRACT (SUNFLOWER OIL, ROSEMARY EXTRACT), XANTHAN GUM. TOPPINGS: DEHYDRATED CABBAGE, DEHYDRATED BOK CHOY, DEHYDRATED CARROT, SESAME SEEDS, GLUCOSE. CONTAINS: SOY, WHEAT, SESAME.

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