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

Extra is labeled NOVA 4 because its formulation relies heavily on industrial ingredients rather than whole foods. The gum contains sweeteners (sorbitol, aspartame, mannitol, acesulfame‑K), a humectant (glycerol), a gum base (gum arabic), a glazing agent (carnauba wax), an antioxidant (BHA), and other minor additives such as soy lecithin and flavourings, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed confectionery.

How does the presence of phenylalanine in this gum affect individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that people with PKU cannot metabolise properly; even small amounts can raise blood phenylalanine levels to harmful levels. Because the gum is declared to contain a source of phenylalanine, individuals with PKU should avoid it entirely to prevent potential neurological complications.

Is the artificial sweetener aspartame used in this gum considered safe for regular consumption?

Regulatory agencies such as the EFSA and FDA have set acceptable daily intake levels for aspartame and consider it safe when consumed within those limits. The amount in a typical piece of gum is well below the established ADI, so occasional use is generally regarded as safe for the general population, although people with the rare condition phenylketonuria must avoid it.

Wrigley's • 46 pieces

extra

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Extra is a sugar‑free chewing gum from Wrigley, falling under the ‘Sugary snacks’ group of the PNNS classification. It carries a NOVA 4 label, indicating an ultra‑processed product, and its Nutri‑Score is not applicable for chewing gum, while its nutrition facts show zero fat, saturated fat, sugars and salt per 100 g, with 156 kcal derived mainly from 65 g of carbohydrates (polyols). The formula includes several additives such as sorbitol, aspartame, mannitol, acesulfame‑K, glycerol, gum arabic, carnauba wax and the antioxidant BHA, and a warning that excessive consumption may cause laxative effects and that it contains phenylalanine.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal156 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates65 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for sweet snacks, this gum contains no sugars, fat, saturated fat or salt and provides only 156 kcal per 100 g, which is markedly lower than the category averages of 53.44 g sugars, 10.52 g fat, 6.99 g saturated fat, 0.36 g salt and 373.36 kcal.

Ingredients

GET IN TOUCH: 0800 952 0077w.mars.co.uk/contact FREEPOST MARS WRIGLEY CONFE MARS FOODS IRELAND LTD, PO B Contact us: https://fire.mars.com/, SUGARFREE CHEWING GUM NGREDIENTS: SWEETENERS (SORBITOL, ERY UK LTD 6, DUBLIN 4 2315 64g SWEETENERS AND MINT FLAVOUR TOL, ASPARTAME, MANNITOL, ACESULFAME GUM BASE, HUMECTANT (GLYCEROL), THNER (GUM ARABIC), FLAVOURINGS, EMULSFER SOYA LECITHIN), GLAZING AGENT (CARNAUBA WAX), ANTIOXIDANT (BHA). EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION MAY PRODUCE LAXATIVE EFFECTS. CONTAINS A SOURCE OF PHENYLALANINE DEN FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES AFTER EATING AND DRINKING A VARIED AND BALANCED DIET AND A HEALTHY UFESTYLE ARE IMPORTANT. SUITABLE FOR VEGETARIANS.

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