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

Actimel is labeled NOVA 4 because its formulation relies on industrial processing and contains several added ingredients beyond basic dairy, such as liquid sugar, dextrose, modified starch, citric acid (E330), sodium citrate (E331) and natural flavourings. These techno‑ingredients, together with a vitamin mix, give the product an ultra‑processed status.

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

With 5 g of sugar per 100 g, Actimel provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose, so people managing diabetes should consume it in limited portions. The salt level is low at 0.1 g per 100 g, which is unlikely to impact hypertension, but overall sugar intake remains the primary concern.

Is the milk in Actimel a concern for people with dairy allergies?

Yes, the product lists milk as an ingredient and flags it as an allergen, so anyone with a cow‑milk allergy should avoid Actimel entirely.

Danone, Actimel • 800 g

Actimel

Beverages

Product Insights

Actimel is a probiotic fermented milk drink flavored with strawberry, belonging to the sweetened beverage and dairy groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is placed in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that includes added sugars, dextrose, liquid sugar and several techno‑ingredients such as modified starch, citric acid (E330) and sodium citrate (E331). While it provides live Lactobacillus casei cultures and added vitamins D and B6, its modest protein content (3 g/100 g) is offset by higher fat (1.6 g) and added sugars, making it a mixed‑nutrient choice.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal73 kcal

Fat1.6 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates12 g

Sugars5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweetened dairy beverage, Actimel contains about one‑third the sugar (5 g vs 15.7 g) and a third the salt (0.1 g vs 0.35 g) per 100 g, but roughly double the fat (1.6 g vs 0.73 g).

Ingredients

LAIT fermenté avec Lactobacillus casei, sucre liquide (saccharose: 7,3%), dextrose (0,6%), vitamines D et B6. Contient : LAIT Ingrédients Goût Fraise: LAIT fermenté avec Lactobacillus casei, sucre liquide et sucre (saccharose: 8,5%), fraise (2,1%), dextrose (0,6%), épaississant (amidon transformé), arômes naturels, correcteurs d'acidité (acide citrique, citrate de sodium), vitamines D et B6. Contient : LAIT

84%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Actimel.

Ingredients