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

The candy undergoes multiple industrial steps such as coating, extrusion and flavoring, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group. Its ingredient list includes several additives: soy lecithin (E322) as an emulsifier, calcium phosphate (E341) and sodium carbonate (E500 i) as raising agents, potassium carbonate (E501 i) also as a leavener, and pectin (E440) as a glazing agent, all of which are typical of highly processed foods.

How does the sugar and saturated fat content in Maltesers affect a diabetic or heart‑healthy diet?

With 53 g of sugar and 15 g of saturated fat per 100 g, Maltesers can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and raise LDL cholesterol, making them unsuitable for regular consumption by people managing diabetes or seeking to limit cardiovascular risk. Occasional small portions are permissible, but they should be counted toward daily sugar and saturated‑fat limits.

Is Maltesers suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or lactose‑free diets?

No. The product contains milk ingredients (skimmed milk powder, butterfat, lactose, whey powder) and wheat flour, which provide dairy and gluten, and it also includes soy lecithin, so it does not meet vegan, lactose‑free, or gluten‑free criteria.

Maltesers, Mars, Mars Incorporated • 400g

Maltesers 400g

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maltesers 400 g is a chocolate‑coated malted milk‑based candy produced by Mars and sold as a sweet snack in the Sugary snacks and Sweets categories. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as NOVA 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with high levels of sugar (53 g), fat (24 g), saturated fat (15 g) and moderate salt (0.37 g) per 100 g, while offering modest fiber (1.1 g) and protein (8.4 g). The product earns an Eco‑Score of B despite its single‑use plastic bag packaging, indicating a relatively favorable environmental rating compared with many similar confectionery items.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal500 kcal

Fat24 g

Saturated Fat15 g

Carbohydrates61 g

Sugars53 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, Maltesers contain a similar amount of sugar (53 g vs 53.44 g), but almost double the fat (24 g vs 10.5 g), markedly more saturated fat (15 g vs 7 g), slightly higher salt (0.37 g vs 0.36 g) and considerably more energy (500 kcal vs 373 kcal) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Sucre, ingrédients du lait (21%) (lait écrémé en poudre, beurre concentré), beurre de cacao, sirop de glucose, extrait de malt d'orge (7%), pâte de cacao, lactose, petit-lait en poudre, matière grasse végétale, farine de blé, émulsifiant (lécithine de soja), poudres à lever (phosphate de calcium, carbonate de sodium, carbonate de potassium), agent d'enrobage (pectine), sel, extrait naturel de vanille

84%

35%

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