Does Ensaladilla de Marisco contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the provided ingredients list, this product does not contain dairy or gluten. However, it is processed in a facility that handles milk, gluten, and soy, so it may contain traces.

Is Ensaladilla de Marisco good for weight loss?

It is high in calories due to the mayonnaise, so portion control is essential. While it fits keto macros, the calorie density could stall weight loss if eaten in large quantities.

Where can I buy Ensaladilla de Marisco?

You can find Ensaladilla de Marisco in the refrigerated deli section of most major supermarkets like Lidl, Mercadona, Carrefour, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Ensaladilla de Marisco safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children. It does not contain caffeine or choking hazards, but be mindful of the sodium content and the presence of sulfitos (E223) if your child is sensitive.

Is Ensaladilla de Marisco Keto?

Yes, Ensaladilla de Marisco is generally considered keto-friendly. While the ingredient list includes items like sugar and thickeners, the net carbohydrate content per serving remains low enough to fit within the strict limits of a ketogenic diet. This analysis breaks down the specific ingredients to explain why this popular Spanish tapa can be enjoyed without breaking your ketosis.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the label of a typical Ensaladilla de Marisco reveals a complex emulsion designed for texture and shelf stability. To understand its keto viability, we must look past the seafood and focus on the binders and the mayonnaise.

The primary binder is Mayonesa (30%). The specific composition here is crucial. This recipe uses a mayonnaise made with refined sunflower oil, water, egg yolk, and vinagre de vino blanco. While the label lists azúcar (sugar) in the mayo, it is typically a small amount used to balance the acidity. The fat content from the oil makes this component highly keto-compatible.

The seafood mix is the next area of interest. We see boca de mar (29%), which is a surimi-based product. Surimi often contains azúcar (sugar) and starches like almidón de patata (potato starch). However, because this is a processed product, the actual sugar content per gram is usually minimal. Similarly, the langostino (25%) is treated with antioxidants like E223 (sulfitos) and stabilizers, but these do not add significant carbohydrates.

The most critical flag for a strict keto dieter is the inclusion of huevo hilado (scrambled egg threads). The label explicitly states this contains azúcar (sugar). This is likely added for preservation and flavor balancing. However, in the context of the entire dish, the volume of this ingredient is relatively low compared to the fats in the mayo and seafood.

Finally, we have the emulsifiers and stabilizers like E1422 (acetylated distarch adipate) and E415 (xanthan gum). These are hydrocolloids used to maintain the creamy texture and prevent water separation. From a nutritional standpoint, these are generally considered non-digestible carbohydrates (fiber-like) or are used in such small quantities that their glycemic impact is negligible. They do not pose a threat to ketosis.

Nutritional Value

When evaluating a prepared dish like Ensaladilla de Marisco for keto, the macro profile is king. The product is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb food, which aligns perfectly with ketogenic ratios. The fat comes primarily from the aceite refinado de girasol (sunflower oil) in the mayonnaise and the natural fats in the shrimp and fish.

The carbohydrate count is the main variable. Even though the recipe includes azúcar (sugar) in the mayo, the scrambled egg, and the surimi, the total net carbs usually land between 2g to 4g per 100g serving. This is well within the standard keto limit of 20g to 50g of net carbs per day. The calorie density is high due to the oil content, which is typical for keto diets but requires portion control if weight loss is the goal.

It is worth noting the presence of E325 (sodium lactate) and E330 (citric acid). These are used as acidity regulators and preservatives. Lactate is a salt of lactic acid; while it technically contains lactate ions, the amount is insignificant to impact blood sugar or insulin response. Therefore, from a nutritional standpoint, the dish fits the macro requirements of a ketogenic lifestyle.