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

It is labelled NOVA 4 because the formulation relies on refined sugars, glucose syrup, starches, palm oil and a suite of food-industry additives; the ingredient list includes E330 (citric acid), E296 (malic acid), E100 (turmeric curcumin), E141ii (copper chlorophyll complexes), E407 (carrageenan), E420 (sorbitol), E420ii (sorbitol syrup), E471 and E472c (mono- and diglycerides), among others.

How does the sugar and salt content in Pico-Balla Sauer affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The 64 g of sugar per 100 g delivers a rapid glucose spike, making it unsuitable for people managing diabetes; the 0.39 g of salt per 100 g is slightly above the average for similar sweets and can contribute to sodium intake, which may be a concern for hypertension if consumed in large amounts.

Is Pico-Balla Sauer suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets?

The candy does not contain animal-derived proteins, so it could be considered vegan, although some emulsifiers (E471, E472c) may be sourced from animal fats; however, it includes wheat flour and wheat starch, which introduce gluten, so it is not gluten-free.

Haribo • 160g

Pico-Balla Sauer

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Pico-Balla Sauer is a sour gummy candy produced by Haribo, falling under the sugary snacks and sweets categories. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and is classified as NOVA 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature, high sugar content (64 g per 100 g) and moderate salt (0.39 g per 100 g). While it provides quick energy and a fruity flavor, the product also contains several additives such as E330, E296, E100 and palm oil, and it is not suitable for gluten-intolerant or vegan consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal369 kcal

Fat3.7 g

Saturated Fat2.3 g

Carbohydrates85 g

Sugars64 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average gummy-candy profile, Pico-Balla Sauer contains more sugar (64 g vs 53.44 g), slightly less fat (3.7 g vs 10.52 g), lower saturated fat (2.3 g vs 6.99 g), a marginally higher salt level (0.39 g vs 0.36 g), and delivers a comparable energy value (369 kcal vs 373.36 kcal per 100 g).

Ingredients

Zucker; Glukosesirup; Stärke; Feuchthaltemittel: Sorbitsirup, Sorbit; Weizenmehl; Dextrose; Palmfett; Weizenstärke; Säuerungsmittel: Citronensäure, Apfelsäure; Emulgatoren: Mono - und Diglyceride von Speisefettsäuren, Citronensäureester von Mono - und Diglyceriden von Speisefettsäuren; Säureregulatoren: Natriumhydrogenmalat, Trinatriumcitrat; Geliermittel: Carrageen; Aroma; Frucht - und Pflanzenkonzentrate: Rettich, Apfel, Spirulina, Schwarze Johannisbeere, Holunderbeere, Aronia, Traube, Holunderbeerextrakt; Farbstoffe: Kurkumin, Kupferkomplexe der Chlorophylline

84%

35%

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