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

The product combines a cheese core with a breaded coating and a chili dip, using industrial ingredients such as wheat flour, modified starches, rapeseed oil and several food‑grade additives; the listed additives are methyl cellulose (E461) as a thickener and citric acid (E330) as an acidity regulator, which together place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the high sugar content in Mozzarella Sticks affect a diabetic diet?

With 11 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels, so people managing diabetes should consume it only in very small portions or avoid it altogether to maintain stable blood sugar.

Is Mozzarella Sticks suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, the product contains only dairy‑derived ingredients (milk, mozzarella and cream cheese) and no meat, making it compatible with lacto‑vegetarian diets, although it is not vegan because of the milk components and also contains gluten from wheat flour.

Clever Select • 250g

Mozzarella Sticks

Milk And Dairy Products

Product Insights

Mozzarella Sticks belong to the Milk and dairy products family, specifically the cheese subgroup. They carry a Nutri‑Score of D and are classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with added sugars, starches and emulsifiers such as methyl cellulose (E461) and citric acid (E330). Nutritionally they provide moderate protein and fiber, but the sugar level is high and the saturated‑fat and salt contents are only moderate, making them a mixed option for a balanced diet.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal259 kcal

Fat12.9 g

Saturated Fat5.1 g

Carbohydrates35.7 g

Sugars11 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar cheese products, this mozzarella sticks contains roughly six times more sugars (11 g vs 1.8 g per 100 g) while delivering about half the fat (12.9 g vs 25 g), saturated fat (5.1 g vs 15.3 g) and salt (0.89 g vs 3.3 g).

Ingredients

80% Mozzarella Cheese Sticks in Breadcrumbs (41% Mozzarella Cheese (Milk), Wheat Flour, Water, Rapeseed Oil, 5% Cream Cheese (Milk), Modified Potato Starch, Ground Spices, Potato Flakes, Potato Starch, Yeast, Salt, Thickener: Methyl Cellulose; Herbs, Spice Extract, Natural Flavouring), 20% Chilli Dip (Sugar, Water, Red Pepper, 2.5% Chillies, Modified Maize Starch, Brandy Vinegar, Apple Juice, Salt, Acid: Citric Acid). Allergy Advice For allergens, including Cereals containing Gluten, see ingredients in bold. May also contain Egg

84%

35%

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