Why is Lebkuchen Herzen classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It combines refined glucose‑fructose syrup, wheat flour, sugar, apricot puree and chocolate with several food‑grade additives such as citric acid (E330), pectin (E440), potassium carbonate (E501), diphosphate (E450), sodium carbonate (E500), potassium citrate (E332), cinnamon, soy lecithin and a natural flavour, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed formulations.

How does the high sugar content in Lebkuchen Herzen affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 37.4 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control; the low salt (0.25 g) is acceptable for hypertension, but the excessive sugar may contribute to weight gain and indirectly raise blood pressure.

Is Lebkuchen Herzen suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or low‑salt diets?

It is labelled vegan and contains no animal‑derived ingredients, but it includes wheat flour (gluten) and may have milk traces, so it is not gluten‑free and could affect those with milk allergy; its salt level is low, yet the high sugar makes it a poor choice for low‑sugar or low‑carb diets.

Weiss • 150 g

Lebkuchen Herzen

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Lebkuchen Herzen are German gingerbread hearts filled with apricot puree (28 %) and coated in dark chocolate (21 %), sold in 150 g packs and labelled vegan, made in Germany. They belong to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups, carry a Nutri‑Score of E, fall into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, and provide 362 kcal per 100 g with 37.4 g sugars, 7.8 g fat (4.9 g saturated), 0.25 g salt, 4.2 g protein and 3 g fiber, reflecting high sugar and modest fat but some fiber. While the product is free from animal‑derived ingredients and includes apricot fruit, the high added sugars, modest protein, and the presence of gluten, milk and soy allergens temper its health appeal.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal362 kcal

Fat7.8 g

Saturated Fat4.9 g

Carbohydrates66.9 g

Sugars37.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, this gingerbread heart contains considerably more sugar (37.4 g vs 28.9 g per 100 g) but less fat (7.8 g vs 17.7 g), much lower salt (0.25 g vs 2 g) and a slightly lower energy content (362 kcal vs 418 kcal).

Ingredients

Glukose-Fruktose-Sirup, Weizenmehl, Zucker, Aprikosenpüree, Kakaomasse, Kakaobutter, Karamellzuckersirup, Säuerungsmittel: Citronensäure; Geliermittel: Pektine; Backtriebmittel: Kaliumcarbonate, Diphosphate, Natriumcarbonate; natürliches Aroma, Säureregulator: Kaliumcitrate; Gewürze, Zimt, Emulgator: Sojalecithine; Salz. Kann Schalenfrüchte, Erdnüsse, Ei, Milch, Lupine und Sesam enthalten.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.