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

It is considered ultra‑processed because its formulation relies on refined sugar, vegetable oils, wheat flour and a suite of manufactured ingredients; the label lists emulsifiers (soy lecithin, mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids, sodium stearoyl‑2‑lactylate), a leavening agent (sodium carbonates) and a natural flavor, all of which are typical of NOVA 4 foods.

How does the high sugar and saturated‑fat content in Balisto affect people with diabetes or high blood pressure?

Consuming 42 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, which is problematic for diabetes management, while 11 g of saturated fat contributes to elevated LDL cholesterol; the modest salt level (0.66 g) is below typical snack levels but does not offset the impact of the sugar and fat on cardiovascular risk.

Is the almond content in Balisto a concern for consumers with nut allergies?

Yes; the bar contains 5 % almonds and the ingredient list flags nuts as an allergen, so anyone allergic to tree nuts should avoid this product, and the packaging also notes possible cross‑contamination with hazelnuts.

Balisto, Mars • 15

Balisto

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

The Balisto bar is a chocolate‑covered cereal snack classified in the “Sugary snacks” group of the PNNS, marketed as an individual portion bar. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is placed in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with high levels of added sugars (42 g/100 g) and saturated fat (11 g/100 g), while providing 6 g protein and no dietary fiber. Although it supplies quick energy and contains whole‑grain oats, barley and wheat, the product’s sugar and fat exceed typical snack averages and it includes several additives (soy lecithin, mono‑ and diglycerides, sodium carbonate) and allergens such as gluten, milk, nuts and soy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal501 kcal

Fat28 g

Saturated Fat11 g

Carbohydrates59 g

Sugars42 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack bar, the Balisto contains roughly 42 g of sugar per 100 g versus the category average of 29 g, 28 g of fat versus 18 g, and 0.66 g of salt, which is below the average 2 g, resulting in a higher energy content of about 501 kcal versus 418 kcal.

Ingredients

sucre, céréales complètes (19%) (flocons d'avoine complet, farine de blé complète, farine d'orge complète), huile de tournesol, farine de blé, beurre de cacao, petit-lait en poudre, amandes (5.0%), pâte de cacao, lait écrémé en poudre, matière grasse de karité, lactose, matière grasse du lait, émulsifiants (lécithine de soja, mono - et diglycerides d'acides gras, Stéaroyl-2-lactylate de sodium), matière grasse de palme, sel, poudre à lever (carbonates de sodium), huile de noix de coco, miel, arome naturel, extrait naturel de vanille. (Peut contenir: noisette).

84%

35%

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