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

Polka is deemed ultra‑processed because its recipe relies on refined sugars, glucose syrup, dextrose and other industrial ingredients together with several additives. The label lists colourants (E 100 curcumin, E 120 carmine, E 160a mixed carotenoids, E 161b lutein, E 163 anthocyanins), a gelatin gelling agent (E 428), citric acid (E 330) as an acidifier, and coating agents such as beeswax (E 901) and carnauba wax (E 903).

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

With 48 g of sugar per 100 g, Polka can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic management unless consumed in very small portions. Its 0.62 g of salt per 100 g exceeds the typical snack average and can contribute to elevated blood pressure, so it is not recommended for people on a low‑salt or hypertensive diet.

Based on the ingredients, is Polka suitable for strict diets like vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free?

No. The presence of gelatin (animal‑derived) and carmine (insect‑derived) disqualifies it for vegan and halal diets. Wheat flour introduces gluten, so it is not gluten‑free. The high carbohydrate load (48 g sugar and 79 g total carbs per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for keto or low‑carb regimens.

Haribo • 120g

Polka

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Polka is a Haribo assorted gummy candy marketed as a sugary snack, belonging to the Sugary snacks (PNNS) family. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed formulation that includes multiple additives such as colourants (E 100, E 120, E 160a, E 161b, E 163), gelatin, and a citric‑acid acidifier. Nutritionally, the product is low in fat and saturated fat, provides a modest amount of protein and fewer calories than the average candy, yet it contains high levels of sugar (48 g/100 g) and salt (0.62 g/100 g) and features allergens like gluten, kiwi and milk.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal340 kcal

Fat0.6 g

Saturated Fat0.6 g

Carbohydrates79 g

Sugars48 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average gummy‑candy, Polka contains about 5 g less sugar per 100 g (48 g vs 53.4 g), roughly half the fat (0.6 g vs 10.5 g) and lower calories (340 kcal vs 373 kcal), but its salt level is nearly double the category norm (0.62 g vs 0.36 g).

Ingredients

Sirop de glucose, sucre, sirop de sucre mélasse, farine de blé, dextrose, gélatine, amidon, extrait de réglisse, maltodextrine, acidifiant : acide citrique, graisse végétale, sel, lactose, protéines du lait, arômes, concentrés de fruits et de plantes (pomme, kiwi, épinard, ortie, carthame, spiruline), extrait de fruit (caroube), sirop de sucre inverti, colorants : curcumine, carmins, carotènes mélangés, lutéine, anthocyanes, agents d'enrobage : cire d'abeille, cire de carnauba,

84%

35%

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