Why is Breakfast Biscuits classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The biscuits are made from refined flours, added sugars, oil and chocolate that undergo multiple industrial steps, and they contain five listed additives: the emulsifier lecithin (E322, E322i), two leavening agents (baking soda E500ii and disodium pyrophosphate E450i), and the dough conditioner datem (E472e). These ingredients are typical of ultra-processed foods, which is why the product falls into NOVA group 4.

How does the sugar and salt content in Breakfast Biscuits affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 22 g of sugar per 100 g, the biscuits can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making them unsuitable for strict diabetic control unless consumed in very small portions. The 0.85 g of salt per 100 g contributes to daily sodium intake and may raise blood pressure, so people with hypertension should limit their consumption.

Based on the ingredient list, is this product suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or keto diets?

The formulation contains only plant‑derived ingredients, so it meets vegan criteria, but it includes wheat and rye flour, which contain gluten, making it unsuitable for a gluten‑free diet. Its carbohydrate level (72 g per 100 g) is far above the limits of a keto diet, so it is not keto‑friendly.

belVita CRUNCHY • 5

Breakfast Biscuits

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Breakfast Biscuits are sweet, dry biscuits marketed by belVita Crunchy, packaged in a box with mixed-plastic packets and a paper carton, and are made from whole-grain wheat flour, oats, rye flour, canola oil, sugar and semi-sweet chocolate. They belong to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups, carry a Nutri-Score of D and are classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting an ultra-processed formulation that includes several additives such as emulsifiers (E322, E322i), leavening agents (E500ii, E450i) and a stabiliser (E472e); nutritionally they provide 440 kcal per 100 g, 16 g of fat (3 g saturated), 22 g of sugars, 0.85 g of salt, 8 g of fibre and 8 g of protein, which means the fibre content is high but the product is high in sugar and contains moderate salt. The product’s Eco-Score is C (47 points) and its packaging combines plastic and paper elements, some of which are not fully recyclable, adding an environmental drawback to its overall profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal440 kcal

Fat16 g

Saturated Fat3 g

Trans Fat0 g

Monounsaturated Fat8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack in its category, this breakfast biscuit contains less sugar, fat, saturated fat and salt, more fibre, but provides slightly more calories per 100 g.

Ingredients

whole grain wheat flour, enriched flour [wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate (vitamin b1), riboflavin (vitamin b2), folic acid], sugar, canola oil, whole grain rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate (sugar, chocolate, dextrose, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), whole grain rye flour, cocoa processed with alkali, baking soda, disodium pyrophosphate, salt, soy lecithin, natural flavor, datem, ferric orthophosphate (iron), niacinamide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b6), riboflavin (vitamin b2), thiamin mononitrate (vitamin b1),

84%

35%

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