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

M&M's Peanut is labeled NOVA 4 because it is manufactured with multiple industrial steps, added sugars, refined cocoa paste, milk powders and a suite of additives that are not found in minimally processed foods. The ingredient list includes colorants (E100, E120, E133, E160a, E160e, E170), the emulsifier soy lecithin, stabilizer gum arabic, glazing agent carnauba wax, dextrin, palm oil, and a glucose syrup, all of which contribute to its ultra‑processed status.

How does the sugar and saturated fat content in M&M's Peanut affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 53 g of sugars per 100 g, the product can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while the 11 g of saturated fat may raise LDL cholesterol, a concern for heart‑related conditions often linked to hypertension. Although its salt level is low (0.1 g), the overall high calorie and sugar load outweigh any advantage for these dietary restrictions.

Is the peanut ingredient in M&M's Peanut a concern for people with peanut allergies?

Yes. Peanuts are listed as a primary ingredient and are highlighted as an allergen, so the product must be avoided by anyone with a peanut allergy. It also contains soy lecithin and milk powders, which are additional allergens for sensitive individuals.

Mars, Mars Incorporated • 900 g

M&M's Peanut 900g

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

M&M's Peanut 900 g is a chocolate‑coated peanut confection classified as a sugary snack and falls under the "Sugary snacks" PNNS group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is placed in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature, with 53 g of sugars, 26 g of fat (including 11 g saturated fat) per 100 g, while providing 516 kcal, 10 g of protein, and only 0.1 g of salt. The product delivers a crunchy peanut taste but contains allergens (peanuts, soy, milk) and several food additives such as colorants (E100, E120, E133, E160a, E160e, E170), emulsifier soy lecithin, gum arabic and carnauba wax, making it unsuitable for low‑sugar or allergen‑free diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal516 kcal

Fat26 g

Saturated Fat11 g

Carbohydrates58 g

Sugars53 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average sweet‑snack values, M&M's Peanut matches the category’s sugar level (53 g vs 53.42 g) but far exceeds the typical fat (26 g vs 10.53 g) and saturated‑fat (11 g vs 6.98 g) content, while offering lower salt (0.1 g vs 0.36 g) and higher calories (516 kcal vs 373.5 kcal).

Ingredients

Sucre, cacahuètes, pâte de cacao, lait entier en poudre, beurre de cacao, amidon, matière grasse de palme, sirop de glucose, lait écrémé en poudre, émulsifiant (lécithine de soja), lactose, stabilisant (gomme arabique), matière grasse du lait, matière grasse de karité, dextrine, colorants (E100, E120, E133, E160a, E160e, E170), agent d’enrobage (cire de carnauba), huile de palme, sel, arôme.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.