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

The snack combines several industrial ingredients, puffed rice, milk chocolate, soy lecithin, vanilla flavouring and emulsifiers, so it falls into the NOVA 4 ultra‑processed category; the only listed additive is E322 (soy lecithin) which acts as an emulsifier in the chocolate coating.

How does the high sugar content in this product affect a diabetic or weight‑management diet?

With 29.2 g of sugars per 100 g, the snack can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and adds significant extra calories, so people managing diabetes or trying to lose weight should limit or avoid it.

Is the milk in the chocolate coating a concern for people with dairy allergies, and does the product contain any other common allergens?

Yes, the chocolate coating contains milk, and the formulation also includes soy lecithin; both milk and soy are listed allergens, making the product unsuitable for individuals allergic to either.

M&S

Milk Chocolate Mini Rice Cakes

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Milk Chocolate Mini Rice Cakes are small puffed‑rice snacks coated with milk chocolate, sold under the M&S brand in the United Kingdom. They belong to the Cereals dietary family, carry a Nutri‑Score of E and are classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), providing 492 kcal per 100 g with 22.8 g fat (13.6 g saturated), 29.2 g sugars and only 0.12 g salt. The product contains soy lecithin (additive E322) and allergens milk and soy, making it a treat rather than a nutritious choice.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables0 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average puffed‑rice‑cake, this snack contains about three times more fat (22.8 g vs 6.9 g), over three times the sugars (29.2 g vs 9 g), similar low salt, but less fiber and protein, resulting in a higher caloric content (492 kcal vs 353 kcal).

Ingredients

Milk Chocolate (60%) (Sugar Cocoa Butter. Dried Whole Milk Cocoa Mass Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin - Vanilla Flavouring) - Rice Cake (40%) (Corn Brown Rice).

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Milk Chocolate Mini Rice Cakes.

Sainsbury's