Health score
35 / 100
Verdict: unhealthy
A2B Madras Mixture scores a 35/100 due to its high caloric density, elevated sodium levels, and the use of inflammatory vegetable oils.
Key takeaways
- High caloric density at 540 kcal per 100g
- Excessive sodium content with 850mg per 100g
- Gram flour provides 12g of plant-based protein
- Contains inflammatory refined vegetable oils
- High environmental footprint due to plastic packaging
Expert analysis
Our read on this product
With 540 kcal per 100g, this snack is highly calorie-dense, which can easily lead to overconsumption. The reliance on vegetable oil for frying introduces high levels of saturated and potentially inflammatory fats. While the use of gram flour provides a baseline of 12g of protein, this is offset by the 850mg of sodium, which is significantly high for a single snack portion. The combination of rice flakes and fried components creates a rapid glycaemic impact.
Best for
This product is suitable for individuals seeking an occasional, traditional, gluten-free savory snack who are not currently monitoring their sodium or caloric intake.
Approach with care
Those with hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, or individuals adhering to a strict weight-loss or low-inflammatory diet should avoid this product.
Ingredient breakdown
Good ingredients
Neutral ingredients
Ingredients to watch
Gram Flour (Besan)
Ground chickpeas used as the base for the savory noodles (sev). It is gluten-free and a source of plant-based protein.
Vegetable Oil
Used for frying the snack components to achieve crunchiness. High in calories and often contains refined fats that may be inflammatory.
Peanuts
Added for texture and flavor. While nutritious, they are a common allergen and high in calories.
Rice Flakes (Poha)
Flattened rice used for added crunch. It is a simple carbohydrate that provides quick energy but lacks high fiber content.
Spices and Condiments
A blend of traditional Indian spices like chili, turmeric, and asafoetida. These provide flavor and potential antioxidant benefits, though they can trigger sensitivities.
Salt
Used to enhance the savory profile of the mixture. Excess consumption is linked to cardiovascular issues.
Nutrition facts
Values shown per 100g
Energy
540 kcal
Protein
12g
Carbs
45g
Fat
38g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
2g
Sodium
850mg
Saturated fat
8g
Fiber
3g
Health goal fit
| Goal | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mood Effect | D | The high sodium and refined fats can contribute to energy crashes and sluggishness, negatively affecting overall mood. |
| Muscle Gain | D | While it contains 12g of protein, the excessive fat and sodium make it a poor source for muscle building. |
| Weight Loss | D | The high calorie density of 540 kcal per 100g significantly hinders weight loss efforts. |
| Flu Recovery | D | This snack lacks the essential vitamins, zinc, and antioxidants required to support an immune system during viral illness. |
| Fever Recovery | D | High sodium and fried ingredients are difficult to digest and do not support hydration or recovery. |
| Pcos Management | D | The inflammatory nature of refined vegetable oils can exacerbate symptoms of insulin resistance and inflammation common in PCOS. |
| Diabetes Management | D | The combination of simple carbs and fried fats can cause unfavorable blood sugar and insulin responses. |
Myth busters
It is a protein-rich snack.
While it contains 12g of protein, the high fat and sodium levels negate the benefit of using it as a primary protein source.
Contains heart-healthy fats.
The product uses refined vegetable oils, not heart-healthy monounsaturated fats like those found in olive or avocado oil.
Gluten-free base ingredients.
Gram flour (besan) is naturally gluten-free, making the base of the noodles safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently asked questions
Is A2B Madras Mixture healthy?
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No, it is classified as unhealthy with a 35/100 score due to high fat, calorie, and sodium content, making it suitable only for occasional consumption.
What is the biggest health concern with this snack?
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The primary concerns are the high sodium content (850mg/100g) and the use of refined vegetable oils, which can lead to inflammation and cardiovascular stress if consumed regularly.
Does it contain healthy ingredients?
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Yes, it contains gram flour (besan), which is a source of plant-based protein, and traditional spices like turmeric, which provide minor antioxidant benefits.
Is this snack suitable for weight loss?
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No, the high calorie density of 540 kcal per 100g makes it a poor choice for weight management as it lacks the satiety-inducing fiber needed for dieting.
What is a better snack alternative?
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A better alternative would be roasted chickpeas, makhana (fox nuts), or air-popped popcorn, which offer more fiber and lower fat content without the heavy frying oils.