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

The product combines refined sugar, multiple added fats (cocoa butter, palm fat, palm kernel fat), glucose syrup, emulsifiers, raising agents and a glazing agent, all of which are characteristic of ultra‑processed foods; its additive list includes E322 (lecithins), E322i, E341 (triphosphates), E440 (pectins), E492 (sorbitan monostearate), E500 (sodium carbonates) and E501 (sodium bicarbonate).

How does the sugar and salt content in Maltesers affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 53 g of sugar per 100 g, Maltesers can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for people managing diabetes, while the 0.42 g of salt per 100 g exceeds the typical sugary‑snack average and may contribute to elevated blood pressure, so they should be eaten only occasionally by those with hypertension.

Is the wheat flour in Maltesers a problem for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease?

Yes, the product contains wheat flour and added wheat gluten, both of which provide gluten; therefore it is not safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Mars • 310g

maltesers 310g

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maltesers 310 g is a sugary snack that falls under the "Sugary snacks" category. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as NOVA 4, containing 53 g of sugar, 25 g of fat, 15 g of saturated fat, 0.42 g of salt and 503 kcal per 100 g, while also providing 8.1 g of protein and cocoa butter. The product includes allergens such as gluten, milk and soy, uses palm oil and several emulsifiers and additives, making it an ultra‑processed confection with notable health and environmental concerns.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal503 kcal

Fat25 g

Saturated Fat15 g

Carbohydrates62 g

Sugars53 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary‑snack, Maltesers have similar sugar levels but roughly double the fat, more than twice the saturated fat, slightly higher salt, and deliver significantly more protein and calories per 100 g.

Ingredients

sugar, skimmed milk powder, cocoa butter, glucose syrup, barley malt extract, cocoa mass, palm fat, lactose and protein from whey (from milk), whey powder (from milk), milk fat, emulsifiers (soya lecithin, e492), wheat flour, palm kernel fat, palm kernel oil, raising agents (e341, e500, e501), wheat gluten, salt, glazing agent (pectins), natural vanilla extract, milk chocolate contains milk solids 14% minimum,

84%

35%

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