Why is Stem Ginger Cookies classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cookies are made from refined wheat flour, added sugars, butter and several processing steps such as heating and leavening; the presence of food-grade additives, sodium carbonates (E500) and ammonium carbonates (E503), places them in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the high sugar and salt content of Stem Ginger Cookies affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 32.4 g of sugars per 100 g, the cookies can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes, which is problematic for diabetes management, and the 0.55 g of salt, although lower than the category average, still contributes to sodium intake and may aggravate hypertension if consumed in large amounts.

Is Stem Ginger Cookies suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten-free diets?

No; the product contains butter (a dairy ingredient) and wheat flour (gluten), so it is neither vegan nor gluten-free, and its high carbohydrate (71.2 g) and sugar content make it unsuitable for keto, while halal status depends on the source of the butter, which is not specified.

Aldi

Stem Ginger Cookies

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Stem Ginger Cookies are a sweet snack classified in the Sugary snacks group, featuring wheat flour, ginger, salted butter and various sugars. They carry a Nutri-Score of E and belong to NOVA group 4, reflecting an ultra-processed composition that includes the additives E500 (sodium carbonates) and E503 (ammonium carbonates). While they provide 5.5 g of protein and a noticeable amount of ginger, the product is high in sugars (32.4 g), saturated fat (9.3 g) and contains gluten and milk allergens, making it less suitable for low-sugar or allergen-free diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal446 kcal

Fat15.5 g

Saturated Fat9.3 g

Carbohydrates71.2 g

Sugars32.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average drop-cookie, this product contains more sugar (32.4 g vs 28.98 g) and saturated fat (9.3 g vs 7.8 g) but less total fat (15.5 g vs 17.65 g) and substantially less salt (0.55 g vs 1.98 g).

Ingredients

Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), STEM GINGER (21%) (Ginger, Sugar, Sugar Syrup), SALTED BUTTER (20%) (Butter (Milk), Salt), Sugar, Oatmeal, Corn Flour, Partially Inverted Sugar Syrup, Raising Agents: Ammonium Carbonates, Sodium Carbonates; Ground Ginger.

84%

35%

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