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

The product is made from refined wheat flour, sugar, palm-oil margarine, added oils and several food-industry ingredients, which makes it ultra-processed; it contains the emulsifier lecithins (E322), the acidity regulator citric acid (E330), the raising agent sodium carbonate (E500), as well as small amounts of maltodextrin and natural flavorings.

How does the sugar and salt content in this speculoos spread affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 31 g of sugar per 100 g, the spread can cause rapid blood glucose spikes and is not suitable for a diabetic diet unless consumed in very small portions; the 0.4 g of salt per 100 g is modest but can contribute to sodium intake, which may be a concern for people managing high blood pressure.

Is the palm oil used in this spread a concern for sustainability and environmental impact?

Palm oil is linked to deforestation and loss of habitat for threatened species, and the product's ingredient analysis flags it as a negative factor; unless the palm oil is certified sustainable, its use reduces the overall environmental profile of the spread.

Columbus • 400g

Pâte à tartiner spéculoos

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Columbus Speculoos spread is a sweet breakfast paste belonging to the PNNS Sugary snacks group, sold in a 400 g glass jar with a plastic lid and seal. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed product, reflecting its high sugar (31 g per 100 g), saturated fat (7.2 g per 100 g) and added palm oil margarine, while providing little fiber or protein. The formulation contains gluten and may contain traces of milk and nuts, and includes palm oil, which has a negative impact on threatened species.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal589 kcal

Fat39.5 g

Saturated Fat7.2 g

Carbohydrates54.5 g

Sugars31.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet spread, this speculoos paste contains substantially less sugar (31 g vs 53.5 g per 100 g) but more energy (approximately 585 kcal vs 373 kcal), slightly higher saturated fat (7.2 g vs 7.0 g) and salt (0.4 g vs 0.36 g).

Ingredients

Spéculoos 58% (farine de blé, sucre, margarine (huile de palme, eau, huile de colza, correcteur d'acidité: acide citrique), sirop de sucre candi, poudre à lever: carbonates de sodium, sel de mer, cannelle), huile de colza, sucre, émulsifiant: lecithines, sirop de sucre caramel, maltodextrine, arôme naturel, acidifiant: acide citrique, cannelle, sel. Peut contenir du lait et des fruits à coque.

84%

35%

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