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

The madeleines are produced using refined flour, added sugars, vegetable oil and multiple industrial ingredients, which places them in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category. They contain the emulsifier soy lecithin (E322), glycerol (E422), sodium carbonates (E500) and sodium citrates (E331), all of which are typical additives in highly processed baked goods.

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

With 29 g of sugar per 100 g, the madeleines can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for strict diabetic control unless consumed in very small portions. Their salt level of 0.69 g per 100 g is lower than the average snack, so the impact on hypertension is modest, but the overall high sugar still warrants caution for both conditions.

Is the soy lecithin used as an emulsifier a concern for people with soy allergies?

Soy lecithin is derived from soybeans and can trigger reactions in individuals with severe soy allergy, although it usually contains only trace amounts of soy protein. People with known soy sensitivity should avoid the product or consult a healthcare professional before consumption.

St Michel • 75 g

madeleines

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Madeleines are small, shell-shaped sponge cakes with chocolate chips made by St Michel, falling under the sugary snacks and biscuits-and-cakes categories. The product carries a Nutri-Score of D and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), with high sugar (29 g per 100 g), high fat, moderate saturated fat, low salt, and contains allergens such as eggs, gluten, milk and soy. Nevertheless, it is made in France with free-range eggs, contains no preservatives, colourings or palm oil, and achieves an Eco-Score of B, reflecting a relatively favorable environmental profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal425 kcal

Fat21 g

Saturated Fat2.9 g

Carbohydrates55 g

Sugars29 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack in its category, these madeleines contain slightly more sugar (29 g vs 28.98 g per 100 g) and a bit higher energy (424 kcal vs 418 kcal), but less salt (0.69 g vs 1.98 g) and lower fiber (1.6 g vs 3.07 g).

Ingredients

Farine de blé 27%, sucre, huile de colza, oeufs 14%, sirop de glucose, pépites de chocolat 6.8% (sucre, pâte de cacao, beurre de cacao, émulsifiant: lécithines (soja)), stabilisant : glycérol, lait demi-écrémé pasteurisé 2.4%, fécule, poudres à lever: carbonates et citrates de sodium (blé), sel, arôme. Traces éventuelles de: fruits à coque.

84%

35%

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