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

The product is made from refined sugar, cocoa paste, multiple vegetable and dairy fats, and a complex blend of flavorings and stabilizers, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. Its additive list includes soy lecithin (E322), arabic gum (E414), dextrin (E1400), carnauba wax (E903) and several colorants such as beta‑carotene (E100), carmine (E120) and brilliant blue (E133).

How does the high sugar and saturated‑fat content of this product affect people with diabetes or cardiovascular concerns?

With 52 g of sugar per 100 g, the confection can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for most diabetic meal plans. The 10 g of saturated fat per 100 g can raise LDL cholesterol levels, which may increase the risk of heart disease for those monitoring cardiovascular health; however, the low salt content (0.09 g) offers a minor benefit.

Is the hazelnut ingredient in this product a concern for people with tree‑nut allergies?

Yes, hazelnuts are a tree nut and are declared as an ingredient, so the product is not safe for anyone allergic to tree nuts. In addition, the label notes possible almond traces, increasing the risk for those with broader nut sensitivities.

Mars • 400 g

M&M's peanut & hazelnut

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

M&M's Peanut & Hazelnut is a chocolate‑covered confection marketed by Mars and falls under the sugary snacks dietary family. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and belongs to NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature and a nutritional profile that is high in sugar (52 g per 100 g), fat (27 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (10 g per 100 g) while providing modest protein (9.2 g per 100 g) and fiber (2.8 g per 100 g). The formulation includes common allergens, milk, peanuts, tree nuts and soy, and uses several additives such as soy lecithin, arabic gum and colorants E100, E120 and E133, which may be a concern for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal518 kcal

Fat27 g

Saturated Fat10 g

Carbohydrates58 g

Sugars52 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical sweet snack averages, this M&M’s variant contains significantly more fat (27 g vs 10.5 g) and protein (9.2 g vs 2.9 g) but slightly less sugar (52 g vs 53.4 g) and far less salt (0.09 g vs 0.36 g), resulting in a higher energy density (518 kcal vs 373 kcal).

Ingredients

sucre, cacahuètes, pâte de cacao, noisettes, lait entier en poudre, beurre de cacao, amidon, matière grasse de palme, sirop de glucose, lait écrémé en poudre, lactose, émulsifiant (lécithine de soja), stabilisant (gomme arabique), matière grasse de karité, matière grasse du lait, dextrine, colorants*, agent d'enrobage (cire de carnauba), huile de palme, arômes, sel. (Peut contenir: amande). * E100 , E120, E133 , E160a, E160e , E170.

84%

35%

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