Why is Cake Breton aux fruits confits classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cake receives a NOVA 4 label because its formulation relies heavily on industrial ingredients such as refined wheat flour, added sugars, vegetable oil, and a suite of processing aids. The ingredient list includes several additives: the red colour carmine (E120), a preservative (sorbate potassium, E202), an antioxidant (sulphur dioxide, E220), acidity regulator (citric acid, E330), a stabiliser (glycerol, E422), leavening agents (diphosphates, E450 and sodium carbonates, E500), and a thickener (cellulose gum, E466).

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

With 34 g of sugar per 100 g, the cake can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control unless consumed in very small portions. The 1.2 g of salt per 100 g contributes to daily sodium intake and may exacerbate hypertension, so people monitoring blood pressure should limit consumption.

Is the carmine (E120) used in this cake a concern for consumers with dietary restrictions such as vegan or allergen sensitivities?

Carmine is a natural pigment derived from crushed cochineal insects, so it is not vegan and may trigger reactions in people sensitive to insect‑derived ingredients. It is listed on the label as additive E120, and consumers avoiding animal‑derived additives or with specific allergies should be aware of its presence.

Le Guillou • 380 g

Cake Breton aux fruits confits

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Cake Breton aux fruits confits is a traditional Breton fruit cake classified as a sugary snack and part of the biscuits‑and‑cakes group. Its nutritional profile shows high sugar (34 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (6 g) with moderate salt (1.2 g), delivering 377 kcal per 100 g, resulting in a Nutri‑Score of E and an ultra‑processed NOVA 4 classification. The cake does contain 30 % fruit blend and modest protein (3.6 g), but also includes several additives (E120, E202, E220, E330, E422, E450, E466, E500) and common allergens such as eggs, gluten, milk and sulfites.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal377 kcal

Fat16 g

Saturated Fat6 g

Carbohydrates54 g

Sugars34 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack cake (sugar 28.98 g, fat 17.65 g, saturated fat 7.8 g, salt 1.98 g, energy 418 kcal per 100 g), this product has slightly lower fat and saturated fat but higher sugar and salt, and its energy is a bit below the category average.

Ingredients

Fruits 30% (Cerises confites (bigarreaux, sirop de glucose-fructose, sucre, correcteur d’acidité : acide citrique, colorants : carmins, conservateur : anhydride sulfureux), Cubes de cédrat confits (écorces de cédrat, sirop de glucose-fructose, sucre, correcteur d’acidité : acide citrique, conservateur : anhydride sulfureux), Raisins secs)- Farine de blé 18% – Oeufs entiers 11,5% - Eau - Sucre - Huile de colza - Beurre pâtissier 7% - Stabilisant : glycérol - Sel - Poudres à lever : diphosphates, carbonates de sodium - Epaississants : gomme cellulosique, farine de graines de caroube - Arômes naturels (contient alcool <0,6%) - Conservateur : sorbate de potassium - Acidifiant : acide citrique - Colorants : caroténioïdes.

84%

35%

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