Why is Flan nappé de caramel classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

A food is labelled NOVA 4 when it includes industrial formulations and additives that go beyond simple ingredient lists. This flan contains several such additives: E150 (caramel colour), E415 (xanthan gum), E440 (pectin), E407 (carrageenan) as thickeners, and E331 (sodium citrates) as an acidity regulator, all of which contribute to its ultra‑processed status.

How does the high sugar and low salt content of this flan affect diabetic or hypertensive diets?

The flan’s sugar level of 20 g per 100 g is considerably higher than the average for dairy desserts, which can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and is therefore unsuitable for people managing diabetes. Its salt content is low (0.15 g per 100 g), so it does not add significant sodium pressure for hypertensive individuals, but the overall sugar load remains the primary nutritional concern.

Is the milk used in this flan a concern for people with dairy allergies?

Yes. The product lists whole milk as its main ingredient and the allergen tag includes milk, so anyone with a cow‑milk allergy should avoid this flan.

Lidl, Milbona • 400 g - 4 x 100 g

Flan nappé de caramel

Milk And Dairy Products

Product Insights

Flan nappé de caramel is a caramel‑topped dairy flan made primarily from whole milk, sugar and several thickeners, placing it in the Milk and dairy products group of the PNNS classification. It bears a Nutri‑Score of C and falls into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, due to the inclusion of additives such as carrageenan, xanthan gum, pectin, sodium citrates and caramel colour. Nutritionally it delivers moderate energy (124 kcal per 100 g) and low salt, but its sugar content is high at 20 g per 100 g and protein is low, which can be a drawback for a balanced diet.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal124 kcal

Fat3 g

Saturated Fat2 g

Carbohydrates22 g

Sugars20 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical dairy desserts, this flan contains about 20 g of sugar per 100 g, almost double the category average, while its fat (3 g) and saturated fat (2 g) are below average, and it provides less protein and lower salt than the average product.

Ingredients

73% lait entier, sucre, 6% caramel (sucre, sirop de glucose-fructose, eau, amidon modifié (pomme de terre), épaississants: pectines, gomme xanthane), eau, amidon de maïs, 0,5% caramel (sucre, eau), arôme, épaississant: carraghénanes; colorant: caroténoïdes; correcteur d'acidité: citrates de sodium.

84%

35%

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