Why is Dark Chocolate and Mint Oat Biscuits classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product receives a NOVA 4 rating because its formulation includes refined ingredients such as sugar, palm oil, refined starches and added emulsifiers; the label lists the additives E322 (lecithins) and E500/E500ii (sodium bicarbonate) which are typical of industrially processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 17.6 g of sugar and 1 g of salt per 100 g, the biscuits can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes for diabetics and contribute to sodium intake, which may raise blood pressure in hypertensive individuals; they should therefore be eaten only occasionally and in small portions.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for vegan, gluten‑free or other strict diets?

The biscuits are not vegan because they contain palm oil and may have trace milk, and they are not gluten‑free because wholegrain oats are processed with gluten‑containing cereals; they also contain soy, so they are unsuitable for soy‑allergic consumers.

Nairn’s • 160 gr

Dark Chocolate and Mint Oat Biscuits

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Dark Chocolate and Mint Oat Biscuits are sweet snack biscuits made from wholegrain oats, sustainable palm oil, sugar and dark chocolate chips, belonging to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes families. They carry a Nutri-Score of E and are classified as NOVA group 4, reflecting an ultra‑processed product that offers a high fiber content of 7.2 g per 100 g but also contains high levels of saturated fat (9.2 g), total fat (21.7 g), sugar (17.6 g) and calories (479 kcal), with moderate salt (1 g). The biscuits contain gluten, soy and may have trace milk, use palm oil linked to threatened species, and are packaged in a cardboard box plus a plastic inner bag, which limits recyclability.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal479 kcal

Fat21.7 g

Saturated Fat9.2 g

Carbohydrates59.2 g

Sugars17.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average sweet snack values, these biscuits provide less sugar and salt but more total fat, saturated fat and calories, while delivering roughly double the fiber and higher protein per 100 g.

Ingredients

Wholegrain Oats (62%), Sustainable Palm Fruit Oil, Sugar, Dark Chocolate Chips (6%) (Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavouring), Partially Inverted Refiners Syrup; Lyles Golden Syrup, Tapioca Starch, Raising Agent: Sodium Bicarbonate, Sea Salt, Natural Mint Flavouring. ALLERGY ADVICE: For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May contain traces of Milk. Our factory is nut free and our recipe is wheat and nut free. We cannot guarantee that our ingredients are wheat and nut free.

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