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

Maltesers are labeled NOVA 4 because they are made from refined sugar, milk powders, cocoa butter and contain several industrial additives such as soy lecithin (E322), raising agents (E341, E500, E501), and a glazing agent of pectin (E440), as well as palm oil, which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in Maltesers affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 51.9 g of sugar per 100 g, Maltesers can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for tight diabetic control, while the 0.43 g of salt contributes to increased sodium intake, which may raise blood pressure for people with hypertension; therefore consumption should be limited.

Based on its ingredients, is Maltesers suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

No. Maltesers contain skimmed milk powder, butter and whey, so they are not vegan; they have 61.5 g of carbohydrates and high sugar, which exceeds typical keto limits; and they include wheat flour, making them unsuitable for a gluten‑free diet.

Mars norge as • 135 g

Maltesers

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maltesers are a milk‑chocolate candy with a malted, crunchy centre, classified under the sugary snacks and sweets categories. They carry a Nutri‑Score of E and belong to the ultra‑processed NOVA group 4, reflecting their high levels of added sugar (51.9 g), fat (24.3 g), saturated fat (15.2 g) and moderate salt (0.43 g) per 100 g. While they provide a notable amount of protein (8.3 g) and energy (≈ 498 kcal), they lack fiber, contain gluten, milk and soy allergens, and therefore should be consumed in moderation.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal498 kcal

Fat24.3 g

Saturated Fat15.2 g

Carbohydrates61.5 g

Sugars51.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, Maltesers contain about the same sugar but almost double the fat and saturated fat, slightly more salt, higher calories, far less fiber, and more protein.

Ingredients

Sucre, _lait_ écrémé en poudre, beurre de cacao, sirop de glucose, extrait de malt d'_orge_, pâte de cacao, beurre concentré (_lait_), lactose, petit-lait en poudre, matière grasse de palme, farine de _blé_, émulsifiant (lécithine de _soja_), poudres à lever (E341, E500, E501), agent d'enrobage (pectine), sel, extrait naturel de vanille.

84%

35%

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