Why is M&M's classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

M&M's fall into NOVA group 4 because their ingredients undergo multiple industrial processes and include several additives; the list comprises colorants (E100, E120, E133, E160a, E160e, E171), the emulsifier soy lecithin (E322), the stabilizer gum arabic (E414), dextrin (E1400), carnauba wax for the coating (E903), as well as palm oil, shea butter and coconut oil.

How does the high sugar content in M&M's affect individuals managing diabetes?

With 53 g of sugars per 100 g, M&M's can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, making them unsuitable for regular consumption by people with diabetes who need to control carbohydrate intake and maintain stable blood‑sugar levels.

Is M&M's suitable for a vegan diet given its ingredient list?

No, M&M's are not vegan because they contain dairy ingredients such as skimmed milk powder, lactose, milk proteins and butterfat, which are animal‑derived, despite the presence of plant‑based components like soy lecithin.

M&M's, Mars Chocolat • 550 g

M&M's

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

M&M's are milk‑chocolate‑coated peanuts marketed as a sweet snack and belong to the Sugary snacks and Sweets families. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature and a formulation high in fat (26 g), saturated fat (10 g) and added sugars (53 g) per 100 g. It does provide notable protein (9.7 g) and modest fiber (2 g), but also contains common allergens such as peanuts, milk and soy, and includes several colorants and emulsifiers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal524 kcal

Fat26 g

Saturated Fat10 g

Carbohydrates60 g

Sugars53 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical sweet snacks, M&M's contain far more fat (26 g vs 10.5 g avg) and saturated fat (10 g vs 7 g avg), substantially higher energy (524 kcal vs 373 kcal), roughly similar sugars (53 g vs 53.4 g), much lower salt (0.03 g vs 0.36 g), more protein (9.7 g vs 2.9 g) and slightly less fiber and carbohydrates.

Ingredients

Sucre, cacahuètes, pâte de cacao, lait écrémé en poudre, lactose et protéines de lait, beurre de cacao, matière grasse de palme, beurre concentré, amidon, siro pde glucose, matière grasse de karité, émulsifiant (lécithine de soja), stabilisant (gomme arabique), colorants (E100, E120, E133, E160a, E160e, E171), dextrine, agent d'enrobage (cire de carnauba), arômes, huile de noix de coco

84%

35%

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