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

M&M's undergoes multiple industrial steps such as sugar caramelisation, oil blending, coating and polishing, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group. The formulation includes several additives: colourants (E100, E120, E133, E160a, E160e, E170), emulsifier soy lecithin (E322/E322i), stabiliser gum arabic (E414), a glazing agent of carnauba wax (E903), dextrin, plus palm oil, glucose syrup and added salt.

How does the high sugar content in M&M's affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 53 g of sugar per 100 g, M&M's can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for uncontrolled diabetes and requiring strict portion control for diabetics. The salt level is low (0.11 g), so it does not significantly impact hypertension, but the overall calorie density and sugar load remain a concern for heart‑healthy diets.

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

Yes. Peanuts are listed as a major ingredient and are highlighted as an allergen on the label; the product also carries a trace‑allergen warning for nuts, so anyone with a peanut allergy should avoid it.

$M&M\'s$

M&M's • 550 g

M&M\'s

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

M&M's is a chocolate‑coated peanut confection marketed as a sweet snack, falling under the “Sugary snacks” group in the PNNS classification. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is placed in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting its high levels of added sugars (53 g per 100 g), fat (26 g) and saturated fat (11 g) together with several food additives. The product also contains milk, peanuts and soy allergens, and while it provides 9.8 g of protein per 100 g, its nutrient profile is overall high in calories (524 kcal) and low in fiber relative to typical snacks.

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 Fat11 g

Carbohydrates59 g

Sugars53 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack, this M&M's product matches the category’s sugar level (53 g vs 53.42 g) but contains far more fat (26 g vs 10.53 g) and saturated fat (11 g vs 6.98 g), while its salt content is lower (0.11 g vs 0.36 g).

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 de karité, matière grasse du _lait_, dextrine, agent d'enrobage (cire de carnauba), colorants (E100, E120, E133, E160a, E160e, E170), huile de palme, arômes, sel.

84%

35%

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