Why is Mars x5 classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The bar combines refined sugars, glucose syrup, multiple dairy powders, palm fat and cocoa derivatives, all typical of highly industrial formulations, which places it in NOVA group 4. Its only listed additive is the emulsifier soy lecithin (E322), used to stabilize the chocolate matrix.

How does the high sugar and saturated fat content in Mars x5 affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 62 g of sugar per 100 g, the bar can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for diabetics, while its 0.39 g of salt per 100 g is moderate but the 8.4 g of saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol, which may aggravate hypertension and cardiovascular risk.

Is the soy lecithin used as an emulsifier in Mars x5 a concern for people with soy allergy?

Soy lecithin is derived from soybeans and is listed as an allergen in the product; although it is highly refined and often tolerated, it can still trigger reactions in individuals with a confirmed soy allergy, so they should avoid this bar.

Mars, Mars Wrigley • 225g

Mars x5.

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Mars x5 is a milk‑chocolate bar filled with caramel and other confectionery ingredients, sold in a 225 g multi‑pack and classified in the sugary snacks and biscuits‑and‑cakes groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and belongs to NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with added sugars, refined cocoa products, palm fat and the emulsifier soy lecithin. While it provides 450 kcal and 4 g of protein per 100 g, the bar is high in sugars (62 g), saturated fat (8.4 g) and contains allergens such as milk, egg, soy and gluten.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal450 kcal

Fat17 g

Saturated Fat8.4 g

Carbohydrates70 g

Sugars62 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack bar (≈29 g sugars, 17.6 g fat, 7.8 g saturated fat, 2 g salt per 100 g), Mars x5 contains more than double the sugar (62 g) and slightly more saturated fat (8.4 g) while its total fat is similar and its salt is lower.

Ingredients

Sucre, sirop de glucose, lait entier en poudre, beurre de cacao, pâte de cacao, huile de tournesol, lait écrémé en poudre, la perméat de lactosérum (lait), cacao maigre, extrait de malt d'orge, matière grasse du lait, émulsifiant (lécithine de soja), sel, blanc d'œuf et matière grasse de palme, amidon

84%

35%

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