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

The biscuit is made from refined wheat flour, added sugars, butter, and dark chocolate chunks, all of which are industrially processed ingredients; it also includes the emulsifier soy lecithin (E322) and a flavouring agent, which place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and saturated‑fat content in this shortbread affect a diabetic or cardiovascular diet?

With roughly 27 g of sugar and 16 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the product can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes for people with diabetes and raise LDL cholesterol levels, making it unsuitable for low‑sugar or heart‑healthy eating plans.

Is the presence of wheat gluten and milk in this shortbread a concern for people with celiac disease or lactose intolerance?

Yes. The biscuit contains fortified wheat flour, which provides gluten and therefore is not safe for celiac sufferers, and the salted butter contributes milk proteins and a small amount of lactose, which may trigger symptoms in those with lactose intolerance.

Sainsburys • 175g

Chocolate Chunk Shortbread

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Chocolate Chunk Shortbread is a shortbread biscuit that falls under the Sugary snacks and Biscuits & cakes families. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with refined wheat flour, added sugars, butter and emulsifiers. While it provides modest fibre (≈2.3 g per 100 g) and a buttery texture, it is high in fat (≈28 g), saturated fat (≈16 g), sugars (≈27 g) and energy, and contains milk, wheat and soy allergens.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal512 kcal

Energy2131 kJ

Fat34.9 g

Saturated Fat22.2 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average shortbread‑type snack, this shortbread contains slightly less sugar (≈27 g vs 29 g per 100 g) but markedly more fat (≈28 g vs 18 g), saturated fat (≈16 g vs 8 g) and energy, while its salt is lower than the category average.

Ingredients

Fortified British Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin), Salted Butter (30%) (Butter (Cows' Milk), Salt), Dark Chocolate Chunks (20%) (Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin, Flavouring), Sugar, Sea Salt. Dark Chocolate contains: Cocoa solids 39% minimum.

84%

35%

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