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

The product combines multiple industrial ingredients, refined sugar, palm oil, various colourants (E100, E120, E133, E160a, E171), dextrin, soy lecithin, arabic gum and carnauba wax, each of which is produced through complex manufacturing steps, placing the candy in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the high sugar and saturated‑fat content of M&M’s affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The 53.5 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, challenging diabetes management, while the 10.3 g of saturated fat contributes to elevated LDL cholesterol, which may worsen hypertension and heart‑disease risk; the low salt (0.09 g) offers little mitigation for blood‑pressure concerns.

Is the peanut ingredient in M&M’s a concern for allergy sufferers or for sustainability because of palm oil?

Peanuts are a major allergen, so the candy must be avoided by anyone with a peanut allergy; additionally, the recipe includes palm‑derived fats, raising sustainability concerns due to deforestation and habitat loss associated with palm‑oil production.

Mars

M&M’s

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

M&M’s are chocolate‑coated peanut candies marketed as sugary snacks in the "Sugary snacks" and "Sweets" families. They carry a Nutri‑Score of E and belong to NOVA group 4, reflecting high levels of sugar (53.5 g per 100 g), total fat (25.5 g) and saturated fat (10.3 g) while providing modest fiber and protein. The formulation includes several additives such as soy lecithin, caramel colourings (E100, E120, E133, E160a, E171), dextrin and carnauba wax, and it contains milk, peanuts and soy allergens.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal512 kcal

Fat25.5 g

Saturated Fat10.3 g

Carbohydrates58.9 g

Sugars53.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average sugary snacks, M&M’s contain roughly double the fat (25.5 g vs 10.5 g) and saturated fat (10.3 g vs 7 g), a similar amount of sugar (53.5 g vs 53.4 g), lower salt (0.09 g vs 0.36 g), but substantially more calories (512 kcal vs 373 kcal).

Ingredients

sucre, cacahuètes, pâte de cacao, lait écrémé en poudre, lactose et protéines de lait, beurre de cacao, matière grasse de palme, matière grasse du lait, amidon, sirop de glucose, matière grasse de karité, lactose, émulsifiant (lécithine de soja), stabilisant (gomme arabique), colorants (E100, E120, E133, E160a, El 60e, E171), dextrine, agent d'enrobage (cire de carnauba), huile de palme, sel, arômes. (Peut contenir: noisette, amande).

84%

35%

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