Why is Peanut Butter M&M’s classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The candy is labeled NOVA 4 because its ingredients list includes refined sugars, multiple processed oils, and a range of food‑grade additives. Notable additives are artificial colorants (E102 – Yellow 5, E110 – Yellow 6, E129 – Red 40, E133 – Blue 1), propyl gallate as an antioxidant, carnauba wax for coating, and gum acacia as a stabiliser.

How does the sugar and salt content in Peanut Butter M&M’s affect individuals with diabetes or hypertension?

With 50 g of sugar per 100 g, the candy can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control. The 0.54 g of salt per 100 g exceeds the average for sweet snacks and can contribute to elevated blood pressure, so it should be limited for people managing hypertension.

Is the peanut ingredient in Peanut Butter M&M’s a concern for people with peanut allergies?

Yes. Peanuts are listed as a declared ingredient and are highlighted as an allergen in the label, so anyone with a peanut allergy should avoid the product entirely.

M&M • 9.0 oz

Peanut butter ’s

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Peanut Butter M&M’s are chocolate‑coated candy pieces that belong to the sugary snacks and sweets families. They carry a Nutri‑Score of E and are classified in NOVA group 4, indicating they are ultra‑processed, with high levels of saturated fat (17.9 g), total fat (28.6 g) and salt (0.54 g) per 100 g, while providing modest protein (3 g) and fiber (1 g). The product contains common allergens – milk, peanuts and soy – and includes several additives such as artificial colors (E102, E110, E129, E133), propyl gallate and palm‑derived oils, which may raise health and sustainability concerns.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal536 kcal

Added Sugars46.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, Peanut Butter M&M’s have a similar sugar content but considerably higher total fat, saturated fat and salt levels.

Ingredients

MILK CHOCOLATE (SUGAR, COCOA BUTTER, CHOCOLATE, MILK, LACTOSE, PEANUTS, MILKFAT, SOY LECITHIN, SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR), SUGAR, PEANUT BUTTER (PARTIALLY DÉFATTED PEANUTS, PALM OIL), HYDROGENATED PALM KERNEL OIL AND/OR VEGETABLE OIL (PALM OIL, SUNFLOWER OIL), CORNSTARCH, DEXTROSE, CORN SYRUP, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT, DEXTRIN, COLORS (BLUE 1 LAKE, RED 40, YELLOW 6, YELLOW 5, BLUE 1, RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, YELLOW 5 LAKE, BLUE 2 LAKE), CARNAUBA WAX, PROPYL GALLATE, GUM ACACIA.

84%

35%

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