Why is Free From Chocolate Chip Cookies classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cookies receive a NOVA 4 rating because they are made from refined flours, added sugars, palm oil, and several industrial additives. The label lists four additive groups: emulsifier sunflower lecithin (E322), thickener xanthan gum (E415), leavening agents sodium bicarbonate (E500/E500ii) and ammonium bicarbonate (E503/E503ii), as well as mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids used in the margarine.

How does the sugar and saturated fat content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 26.5 g of sugars and 14.3 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the cookies can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and increase LDL cholesterol, which are undesirable for people managing diabetes or high blood pressure. The low salt (0.32 g) is less of a concern for hypertension, but the overall high calorie and fat load may still contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently.

Is this product suitable for a vegan, gluten‑free, or low‑sugar diet?

The cookies are marketed as vegan and gluten‑free, and the ingredient list contains no animal‑derived proteins or wheat flour. However, the sugar content remains high (26.5 g per 100 g), so it does not qualify as low‑sugar and should be eaten only in moderation by those following reduced‑sugar regimens.

Sainsburys • 150g

Free From Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Free From Chocolate Chip Cookies are gluten‑free, vegan‑friendly bite‑size biscuits marketed as a sweet snack. At 530 kcal per 100 g they contain 30.1 g of fat (14.3 g saturated), 26.5 g of sugars and 0.32 g of salt, resulting in a Nutri‑Score of E and a NOVA rating of 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with a high energy density. The formulation includes traces of nuts and soy, four food additives (E322, E415, E500/E500ii, E503/E503ii), and an overall Eco‑Score of D, reflecting moderate environmental impact.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars21 g

Fruits & Vegetables1 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average cookie (28.98 g sugars, 17.65 g fat, 1.98 g salt per 100 g), these cookies provide slightly less sugar and markedly less salt but almost double the fat content.

Ingredients

Dur ingredients: Gluten Free Dat Flour, Chocolate Chips (18%) (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier: Sunflower Lecithin), Sugar, Palm Oil, Margarine (Palm Fat, Rapeseed Oil., Water, Palm Oil, Salt, Emulsifier: Mono- and Diglycerides of Fattų Acids), Tapioca Flour, Rice Flour, Partially Inverted Sugar Syrup, Raising Agents: Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate; Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum; Flavouring. Cocoa solids 53% minimum. Allerqų advice: For allergens, see ingredients in bold. Also, not suitable for customers with an allergy to nuts due to manufacturing methods. Suitable for coeliacs. 7783517 j022

84%

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