Why is Crispy Cheese Crackers classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product uses refined wheat flour, added sugars, multiple fats and cheese, and includes additives such as the colour annatto (E160b), sodium bicarbonate (E500/E500ii) and a raising agent (E503), which together place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and saturated fat content in Crispy Cheese Crackers affect a diabetic or cardiovascular‑health diet?

With about 6.7 g of sugar and 27 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the crackers can raise blood glucose levels and increase LDL cholesterol, making them a poor choice for people managing diabetes or heart‑related conditions.

Based on its ingredients, is this product suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free diets?

No; the crackers contain dairy cheese, wheat flour (gluten) and palm oil, so they are not vegan, gluten‑free or keto‑friendly, and the presence of animal‑derived cheese ingredients means halal status cannot be confirmed.

Marks & Spencer • 150 g

Crispy Cheese Crackers

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Crispy Cheese Crackers are a 150 g pack of baked snack made by Marks & Spencer, featuring wheat flour, coconut oil, Gouda and Edam cheese, palm oil and seasonings. The snack belongs to the Salty snacks group, carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), reflecting its high levels of fat (≈38 g per 100 g), saturated fat (≈27 g), sugars (≈6.7 g) and several additives (E160b, E500, E500ii, E503). While it offers a crunchy cheese flavour, it contains gluten, milk and peanuts, making it unsuitable for those allergens, and its elevated saturated fat and sugar content limit its suitability for health‑conscious diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars5 g

Fruits & Vegetables2.9 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average salty snack, these crackers contain markedly higher fat (38 g vs 24 g), saturated fat (27 g vs 5 g) and sugars (6.7 g vs 3.8 g), but far less salt (0.16 g vs 52 g) and slightly more energy (537 kcal vs 471 kcal).

Ingredients

Wheatflour (contains Gluten), Coconut Oil, Gouda Cheese (5%) (Cheese (Milk), Colour: Annatto), Palm Oil, Sugar, Dried Onions, Flavourings (contain Milk), Edam Cheese (2%) (Cheese (Milk), Colour: Annatto), Raising Agent: E503, Sodium Bicarbonate, Poppy Seeds, Salt, Dried Processed Cheese (Milk). For allergens see ingredients in bold. Not suitable for Nut, Peanut and Sesame allergy sufferers due to manufacturing methods.

84%

35%

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