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

Airwaves is made from a gum base, multiple sugar substitutes, flavourings and coating agents that are all industrially manufactured; the presence of several food‑additive codes (E420 sorbitol, E953 isomalt, E965 II maltitol syrup, E951 aspartame, E950 acesulfame K, E421 mannitol, E320 BHA, E141 colour, E903 carnauba wax, E170i calcium carbonate, E414 gum Arabic, plus soy lecithin as an emulsifier) places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

Is the phenylalanine source in Airwaves a concern for people with phenylketonuria?

Yes; the label states that the gum contains a source of phenylalanine, which can trigger dangerous blood‑phenylalanine spikes in individuals with phenylketonuria, so they should avoid this product.

Based on its ingredients, is Airwaves suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or halal diets?

The formulation contains only plant‑derived sweeteners and a gum base, and it does not list any animal‑derived gelatin or dairy, making it compatible with vegan and gluten‑free diets; however, the presence of soy lecithin and the unspecified halal status of certain additives means halal suitability cannot be guaranteed without certification.

Menthol & Eucalyptus • 50

Airwaves

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Airwaves is a sugar‑free chewing gum marketed under the Menthol & Eucalyptus brand, falling under the “Sugary snacks” and “Sweets” PNNS groups despite containing no sugar. The product is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and lists several food‑additive codes such as E951 (aspartame), E950 (acesulfame K), E953 (isomalt), E965 II (maltitol syrup), E320 (BHA), and E141 colour, plus soy lecithin as an allergen and a phenylalanine source. Nutritionally it provides essentially zero fat, salt and protein, 143 kcal per 100 g from 60 g carbohydrates (mostly polyols) and may cause laxative effects if over‑consumed, while offering a minty, menthol‑eucalyptus flavor.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal143 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates60 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, Airwaves contains virtually no sugar, fat or salt and delivers only 143 kcal per 100 g, far below the typical 373 kcal, making it a low‑calorie alternative despite its ultra‑processed nature.

Ingredients

SÜSSUNGSMITTEL (SORBIT), KAUMASSE, SÜSSUNGSMITTEL (ISOMALT), ÜBERZUGSMITTEL (CALCIUMCARBONAT), AROMEN VERDICKUNGSMITTEL (GUMMI ARABICUM), SÜSSUNGSMITTEL (MALTITSIRUP), EMULGATOR (SOJALECITHIN), FEUCHTHALTEMITTEL (GLYCERIN), SÜSSUNGSMITTEL (ASPARTAM, MANNIT, ACESULFAM K), ÜBERZUGSMITTEL (CARNAUBAWACHS), ANTIOXIDATIONSMITTEL (BHA), FARBSTOFF (E141), KANN BEI ÜBERMÄSSIGEM VERZEHR ABFÜHREND WIRKEN, ENTHÄLT EINE PHENYLALANINQUELLE, KÜHL UND TROCKEN AUFBEWAHREN,

84%

35%

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