Why is Tiramisu classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The dessert is made from refined ingredients such as glucose syrup, added flavorings, emulsifiers, stabilisers and processed dairy, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. Its label lists additives including E1510 (ethyl alcohol), E270 (lactic acid), E407 (sorbitol), E420 (sorbitol), E471 (mono‑ and diglycerides), E500 (sodium bicarbonate) and E503 (ammonium carbonates).

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

With 20.5 g of sugars per 100 g, the dessert can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control. Its saturated‑fat level of 9.6 g per 100 g raises LDL cholesterol and may increase cardiovascular risk, so it is not recommended for heart‑healthy eating patterns.

Based on the ingredients, is this Tiramisu suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or common allergen‑free diets?

No, the product contains dairy (mascarpone, cream, milk), eggs and wheat flour, so it is neither vegan nor gluten‑free and is unsuitable for people allergic to milk, eggs or gluten.

M&S • 500g

Tiramisu

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

This refrigerated Tiramisu dessert from Marks & Spencer weighs 500 g and combines mascarpone cheese, eggs, wheat flour and added sugars for a coffee‑flavored treat. It belongs to the Sugary snacks group, carries a Nutri‑Score of D, is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), and is high in saturated fat (9.6 g per 100 g) and sugars (20.5 g per 100 g) while offering modest fiber (1.1 g) and protein (4.6 g). The product also contains several additives (E1510, E270, E407, E420, E471, E500, E503) and common allergens (milk, gluten, eggs), making it less suitable for health‑focused or allergen‑restricted diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal258 kcal

Energy1085 kJ

Fat10.5 g

Saturated Fat7.7 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical sugary snacks, this tiramisu contains less sugar, fat and calories but higher saturated fat and lower fiber and protein.

Ingredients

Water, Glucose Syrup, Mascarpone Cheese (10%) (Cream (Milk), Milk, Acidity Regulator: Lactic Acid (Milk)), Sugar, Skimmed Milk Powder, Coconut Oil, Wheatflour (contains Gluten), Pasteurised Egg Yolk, Pasteurised Egg, Marsala Wine (1.5%), Ethyl Alcohol, Stabiliser: Sorbitol, Cocoa Powder, Citrus Fibre, Thickener: Carrageenan, Instant Coffee, Emulsifier: E471, Flavourings, Coffee Extract, Raising Agent: E500, E503; Salt.

84%

35%

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