Why is Hot Chocolate Smooth & Creamy classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It receives a NOVA 4 rating because it is an industrially formulated mix that includes refined sugar, glucose solids, modified milk ingredients and a range of additives such as cellulose gum (E466), dipotassium phosphate (E340), silicon dioxide, sodium silico‑aluminate (E554), artificial flavourings, hydrogenated copra oil, and emulsifiers, all of which are characteristic of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the high sugar and salt content in this drink affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The 75 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while the 1.35 g of salt per 100 g may contribute to elevated blood pressure, so individuals with hypertension should limit consumption.

Is the milk ingredient in this product a concern for consumers with dairy allergies?

Yes, the formulation lists modified milk substances, which are derived from dairy, and the product is flagged with a milk allergen warning, so anyone allergic to milk should avoid it.

Tim Hortons • 500g

HOT CHOCOLATE SMOOTH & CREAMY

Beverages

Product Insights

Tim Hortons Hot Chocolate Smooth & Creamy is an instant cocoa‑based beverage marketed for quick preparation. The drink is classified in the beverage family, carries a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed label, lacks an official Nutri‑Score, and delivers very high sugar (75 g per 100 g) and salt (1.35 g per 100 g) together with elevated saturated fat, while providing modest protein and fiber. It contains cocoa, modified milk ingredients and several food additives, offering a rich flavor but reflecting the typical nutritional trade‑offs of sweetened instant drinks.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal396 kcal

Iron3.1 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average instant cocoa powders, this product contains about seven times more sugar, twice the salt, higher saturated fat, and slightly less protein per 100 g.

Ingredients

SUCRE, SOLIDES DE GLUCOSE, SUBSTANCES LAITIÈRES MODIFIÉES, CACAO, HUILE DE COPRA HYDROGÉNÉE, SEL, GOMME DE CELLULOSE, PHOSPHATE DIPOTASSIQUE, BIOXYDE DE SILICIUM, ARÔME ET ARÔME ARTIFICIEL, SILICOALUMINATE DE SODIUM, MONO - ET DIGLYCÉRIDES, ESTERS TARTRIQUESDES ET DIGLYCÉRIDES ACÉTYLÉS. PEUT CONTENIR DES PRODUITS DE SOJA.

84%

35%

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