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

It is considered ultra-processed because the product is made from refined wheat flour, butter, rapeseed oil, sugar, added mineral fortificants and a flavouring, all of which are manufactured ingredients; the label lists zero specific additive codes, so no E-number additives are declared.

How does the sugar and salt content in Shortbread Fingers affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Each 100 g serving provides 18 g of sugar and 1.7 g of salt, which can raise blood glucose levels and increase sodium intake; people with diabetes or hypertension should limit consumption and consider it an occasional treat.

Based on the ingredients, is Shortbread Fingers suitable for vegan, gluten-free, keto or halal diets?

The snack contains wheat flour (gluten) and butter (milk), so it is not suitable for gluten-free or milk-allergic diets, it is not vegan, and its relatively high carbohydrate content makes it unsuitable for a strict keto plan; halal status is not specified, so it cannot be assumed to meet halal requirements.

Paterson's • 20 units, 300gr total

Shortbread Fingers

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Shortbread Fingers are a shortbread cookie snack produced by Paterson's, belonging to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits & cakes families. They carry a Nutri-Score of E and are classified as NOVA 4 ultra-processed, with high levels of sugar (18 g), saturated fat (2.7 g) and salt (1.7 g) per 100 g, while also containing wheat flour and butter which trigger gluten and milk allergens. The product is labelled vegetarian and contains no declared additives, but its nutritional profile is less favorable than many alternatives.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal500 kcal

Fat24 g

Saturated Fat2.7 g

Carbohydrates61 g

Sugars18 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, Shortbread Fingers contain 18 g of sugar, 2.7 g of saturated fat and 1.7 g of salt per 100 g, all below the category averages of 28.98 g sugar, 7.8 g saturated fat and 1.98 g salt, yet the product still receives an E Nutri-Score and a NOVA 4 ultra-processed rating.

Ingredients

_Wheat_ flour (_Wheat_ flour, Calcium carbonate, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin), Rapeseed oil, Sugar, Butter (_Milk_), Salt, Flavouring.

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