Why is Pain d'épices classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The gingerbread is made from refined ingredients such as glucose‑fructose syrup, refined flours, added sugars, leavening powders, flavorings and a preservative, which place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group. It contains the additives E200 (sorbic acid), E450 (diphosphates) and E500 (sodium carbonates).

How does the high sugar content in Pain d'épices affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 37 g of sugars per 100 g, the product can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for people managing diabetes. Although its salt level (0.74 g) is below the average for snacks, the excessive sugar still poses a health concern for those with hypertension, as high sugar intake can indirectly influence blood pressure.

Is Pain d'épices safe for a gluten‑free diet?

No. The formulation includes rye and wheat flours, both of which contain gluten, and the ingredient list specifically flags these grains as allergens.

Carrefour, Produits blancs, Produits blancs Continental bakeries • 470 g

Pain d'épices

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Carrefour’s Pain d'épices is a sliced gingerbread snack packaged in a 470 g packet, classified in the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and falls in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, with 37 g of sugars per 100 g, a level notably above the average for similar snacks, while its fat (0.9 g), saturated fat (0.1 g) and salt (0.74 g) are well below typical values. The product contains gluten from rye and wheat flours and may have traces of milk and nuts, and includes the additives E200 (sorbic acid), E450 (diphosphates) and E500 (sodium carbonates).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal295 kcal

Fat0.9 g

Saturated Fat0.1 g

Carbohydrates67 g

Sugars37 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack in its category, this gingerbread contains about 28 % more sugar (37 g vs 28.98 g per 100 g) but roughly one‑twentieth the fat (0.9 g vs 17.65 g) and less than half the salt (0.74 g vs 1.98 g).

Ingredients

Sirop de glucose-fructose, farine de _seigle_, eau, sucre caramélisé, poudres à lever : carbonates de sodium et diphosphates, sucre, sel, huile de colza, arôme, conservateur : acide sorbique, épices (cannelle, clou de girofle, muscade, gingembre, coriandre, quatre-épices, macis, cardamone), farine de _blé_ malté. Peut contenir des traces de lait et de fruits à coque.

84%

35%

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