Does Cod Provencale with Ratatouille & Rice contain dairy or gluten?

No, this product is free from both dairy and gluten. It does not contain milk, cheese, butter, wheat, or barley.

Is Cod Provencale with Ratatouille & Rice good for weight loss?

It can fit into a weight loss plan as it provides protein and fiber to keep you full. However, monitor portion sizes and sodium intake, as is common with frozen meals.

Where can I buy Cod Provencale with Ratatouille & Rice?

This item is typically available at major retailers like Waitrose, Ocado, and Amazon Fresh in the UK, or similar premium grocery chains depending on your region.

Is Cod Provencale with Ratatouille & Rice safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It contains no caffeine or added sugar. However, check the sodium content on the packaging to ensure it fits within your child's daily limits.

Is Cod Provencale with Ratatouille & Rice Gluten Free?

Yes, Cod Provencale with Ratatouille & Rice is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient list provided, there are no wheat, barley, rye, or hidden gluten sources like malt vinegar or soy sauce. This dish relies on rice and corn-based thickeners, making it a safe option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a frozen meal for gluten content, we have to look beyond the obvious proteins and vegetables. The devil is often in the details—specifically the sauces and starches. Let's look at the core components of this Cod Provencale dish.

The foundation of the meal is RAW COD and a RICE DUO (Brown and Wild Rice). Rice is naturally gluten-free, so the grain component is safe. The vegetable mix, including FRIED ZUCCHINI, FENNEL, and FRIED EGGPLANT, is cooked in sunflower oil. While 'fried' items can sometimes be battered, the ingredient list specifies only the vegetable and oil, implying these are sautéed or roasted rather than breaded.

The most critical ingredient to scrutinize is the MODIFIED STARCH. In many processed foods, modified wheat starch is used as a thickener. However, in this specific product, the label explicitly lists MODIFIED STARCH (RICE AND/OR CORN AND/OR TAPIOCA). This is the green light for gluten-free status; the manufacturer has utilized naturally gluten-free sources to stabilize the Provencale sauce.

Finally, the Provencale sauce itself is built on TOMATO PUREE, EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, and a SEASONING blend. The seasoning includes herbs like rosemary, basil, and lavender, which are naturally free of gluten. There are no hydrolyzed wheat proteins or brewer's yeast listed.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this dish offers a balanced profile typical of a Mediterranean-inspired frozen meal. The presence of EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which is a significant plus compared to meals made with cheaper vegetable oils.

Regarding macronutrients, the combination of COD and RICE provides a solid mix of lean protein and complex carbohydrates. This should offer sustained energy without the sharp blood sugar spike associated with refined white pasta or bread. The vegetable content (zucchini, eggplant, peppers) contributes fiber and micronutrients like Vitamin C and Potassium.

Because the sauce is tomato-based rather than cream-based, the saturated fat content is likely kept in check. However, consumers watching their sodium intake should be mindful, as salt is present in the rice, the tomato puree, and the seasoning blend. Overall, it fits well into a standard, balanced diet.