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

It is classified as ultra‑processed because the formulation relies on refined sugars, glucose‑fructose syrup, refined wheat flour, palm oil and a suite of industrial additives; the label lists E420 (sorbitol), E440 (pectin), E330 (citric acid), E500 (sodium carbonates), E450 (diphosphates), E322 (lecithins) and E471 (mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids) among the stabilisers, gelling agents and emulsifiers.

How does the sugar and salt content of Jaffa Cakes impact a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With about 47 g of sugar per 100 g, the product raises blood glucose sharply and is therefore unsuitable for people managing diabetes; the salt level is modest at 0.24 g/100 g, but the high sugar load can indirectly worsen hypertension through weight gain and insulin resistance.

Is the presence of palm oil in Jaffa Cakes a concern for environmentally conscious consumers?

Palm oil is listed among the ingredients and is flagged as a palm‑oil component, which reduces the Eco‑Score by 10 points; although the cake carries Rainforest Alliance and UTZ certifications for its cocoa, the palm oil itself is not certified sustainable, so eco‑focused shoppers may prefer palm‑oil‑free alternatives.

Tower Gate • 300 g

Jaffa Cakes

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Jaffa Cakes by Tower Gate are a 300 g pack of chocolate‑coated orange‑flavored snack cakes sold at Lidl. They belong to the PNNS groups “Sugary snacks” and “Biscuits and cakes”, carry a Nutri‑Score of E and are classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) due to added sugars, glucose‑fructose syrup, palm oil and several food additives. Although the product holds Rainforest Alliance and UTZ certifications and delivers a quick energy boost, it is high in sugar (≈47 g/100 g), saturated fat (6.3 g/100 g) and contains allergens such as eggs, gluten, milk and soy, making it unsuitable for low‑sugar or allergen‑free diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal381 kcal

Fat11.3 g

Saturated Fat6.3 g

Carbohydrates65.4 g

Sugars47 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, this Jaffa Cake contains far more sugar (47 g vs 28.98 g per 100 g) while its saturated fat (6.3 g) and salt (0.24 g) are below the category averages.

Ingredients

sugar, glucose-fructose syrup, 15% orange juice from concentrated orange juice, wheat flour, cocoa mass, 6% liquid whole egg, palm oil, cocoa butter, stabiliser: sorbitols, gelling agent: pectins, acid: citric acid, raising agents: sodium carbonates, diphosphates, whey powder (milk), emulsifiers: lecithins, mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids, natural orange flavouring, natural vanilla flavouring with other natural flavourings, salt, wheat starch,

84%

35%

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