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

The product is classified as NOVA 4 because it is made from refined ingredients such as organic tapioca syrup and sugar, includes added sweeteners, colorants and stabilizers, and undergoes multiple industrial processing steps. The label lists the additives citric acid (E330), sodium citrate (E331), pectin (E440) and carnauba wax (E903) together with natural flavorings, all of which are typical of ultra-processed foods.

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

With 50 g of sugar per 100 g (about 200 g in the whole 60-gummy package), the gummies raise blood glucose quickly, making them unsuitable for people managing diabetes or for those who need to limit rapid sugar spikes; the modest sodium level does not offset this disadvantage, so the product should be consumed only occasionally, if at all, by these individuals.

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

All listed ingredients are plant-based and the product is certified organic, so it is suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets, but the high amount of sugar and the presence of tapioca syrup make it incompatible with a strict keto or low-carb regimen.

equate • 60 gummies

equate ashwagandha

Health Beauty

Product Insights

Equate Ashwagandha gummies are a human dietary supplement presented in a 60-piece gummy format, featuring organic tapioca syrup, monk fruit extract and a blend of fruit juice concentrates alongside the adaptogenic herb ashwagandha. The product belongs to the dietary-supplement PNNS group, carries a Nutri-Score of E with a score of 30, and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) due to its high sugar content (50 g per 100 g) and the presence of several food additives such as citric acid (E330) and carnauba wax (E903). While the formula includes vegan-friendly and organic ingredients, the high sugar and calorie load, along with a low fiber and protein profile, make it a poor nutritional choice for regular consumption.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

high

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical gummy dietary supplements, this product contains an especially high sugar level of 50 g per 100 g and 1500 kcal per 100 g, far exceeding the average sugar and calorie values for its category.

Ingredients

organic tapioca syrup, sugar, organic cane sugar, water, pectin, citric acid, organic fruit extract, natural flavors, sodium citrate, organic maqui berry juice concentrate, organic black carrot juice concentrate, organic sunflower oil, organic carnauba wax, organic apple juice concentrate, organic carrot juice concentrate, organic pumpkin juice concentrate, organic black currant juice concentrate, organic black currant flavor, organic apple flavor, organic grape juice concentrate, organic black carrot juice concentrate (color), sodium citrate

84%

35%