Why is Haricots Happy Life classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is classified as NOVA 4 because it is made from refined sugars, glucose syrup and dextrose and includes multiple industrial ingredients such as gelatin, acidifiers (citric and malic acid), flavorings, fruit concentrates, inverted sugar syrup, caramel syrup, and coating agents; the product lists additives E428, E330, E296, E331i, E350, E100, E120, E901 and E903 among others.

How does the high sugar content in Haricots Happy Life affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 53 g of sugar per 100 g, the gummies can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for diabetes management, and although the salt content is low, the excessive sugar can contribute to weight gain and indirectly raise blood pressure, so they should be consumed only in very limited amounts by those with diabetes or hypertension.

Is the gelatin in Haricots Happy Life a concern for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes; the gummies use animal-derived gelatin (E428) as a gelling agent, which is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets, and they also contain carmine (E120), an insect-derived color, further limiting their suitability for plant-based consumers.

Haribo • 275 g

Haricots Happy Life

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Haricots Happy Life are gummy candy beans produced by Haribo, categorized as a sugary snack (PNNS groups: Sugary snacks / Sweets). The product bears a Nutri-Score of E and is placed in NOVA 4, indicating an ultra-processed confectionery primarily built from glucose syrup, sugar, dextrose and a suite of additives, with a high sugar content (53 g per 100 g) but negligible fat, saturated fat, and salt. While it delivers quick energy, it provides no fiber or protein, contains animal-derived gelatin and several colorants such as carmine, and lists apple, kiwi and gelatin as allergens, which may limit its suitability for certain diets and health conditions.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal348 kcal

Fat0.5 g

Saturated Fat0.1 g

Carbohydrates81 g

Sugars53 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet-snack, Haricots Happy Life contain a similar amount of sugar (53 g vs 53.45 g per 100 g), virtually no fat (far below the 10.5 g average), and only 0.02 g of salt, which is markedly lower than the typical 0.36 g per 100 g.

Ingredients

glucose syrup, sugar, dextrose, gelatin, starch, acidifiers: citric acid, malic acid, aromas, fruit and plant concentrate (apple, kiwi, spinach, nettle), fruit extract (carob), inverted sugar syrup, caramel syrup, acidity correctors: monosodium citrate, sodium malates, dyes: curcumin, carmines, vegetable charcoal, mixed carotenes, lutein, anthocyanins, patented blue v, coating agents: beeswax, beewax, carnauba wax

84%

35%

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