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

Maltesers are made from refined sugar, milk powders, glucose syrup and various fats that undergo extensive industrial processing, which places them in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. The ingredient list includes several additives such as lecithin (E322/E322i) for emulsification, acidity regulators and anti‑caking agents (E341, E500, E501), a gelling agent (E440), and a stabiliser (E492).

How does the high sugar and fat 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 strict diabetic control. The modest salt level (0.12 g) is unlikely to impact blood pressure significantly, but the high total fat (24 g) adds extra calories that may contribute to weight gain, a risk factor for hypertension.

Is the gluten in Maltesers a concern for people with celiac disease?

Yes. Maltesers list wheat gluten as an ingredient, so they contain gluten and must be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or non‑celiac gluten sensitivity.

Maltesers • 102g

maltesers

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maltesers are a confectionery belonging to the sugary snacks and sweets group, offered in a 102 g plastic‑packet. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature, high total fat (24 g) and sugar (53 g) per 100 g, while saturated fat and salt are moderate. It contains gluten, milk and soy allergens, includes several additives such as lecithin (E322) and acidity regulators (E341, E500, E501, E492, E440), and bears a Fairtrade International label.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal503 kcal

Fat24 g

Saturated Fat5.2 g

Carbohydrates62 g

Sugars53 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, Maltesers provide a similar amount of sugar (53 g vs 53.44 g) but far more total fat (24 g vs 10.5 g) and calories (503 kcal vs 373 kcal), while their saturated fat (5.2 g vs 6.99 g) and salt (0.12 g vs 0.36 g) are lower.

Ingredients

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84%

35%

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