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

Maltesers are made from refined sugar, malted milk powder, cocoa ingredients and a range of industrial components such as palm oil, wheat flour and raising agents, which places them in NOVA 4. The product lists additives E341 (calcium phosphate), E440 (pectin), and E500 (sodium carbonate) as well as soy lecithin used as an emulsifier.

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

With 54 g of sugar per 100 g, Maltesers can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for people managing diabetes. The salt level (0.37 g per 100 g) is close to the average for sweet snacks and adds little extra sodium, but combined with the high sugar and fat it does not support a heart‑healthy or low‑sodium diet.

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

Yes. The ingredient list includes wheat flour and wheat gluten, both of which contain gluten and render Maltesers unsafe for anyone requiring a gluten‑free diet.

Maltesers • 200 g

Maltesers

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maltesers are a sweet chocolate‑coated malted milk confection classified under the sugary snacks group. They carry a Nutri‑Score of E and belong to NOVA group 4, reflecting a highly processed product with high levels of fat (24 g), saturated fat (15 g) and sugars (54 g) per 100 g. While they provide a quick energy boost, the elevated sugar, fat and modest salt content make them a less suitable choice for health‑focused diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal500 kcal

Fat24 g

Saturated Fat15 g

Carbohydrates62 g

Sugars54 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical sweet snack averages, Maltesers contain markedly more fat (24 g vs 10.5 g), saturated fat (15 g vs 7 g) and calories (500 kcal vs 373 kcal), slightly higher sugar (54 g vs 53.4 g) and a similar salt level.

Ingredients

Zucker, Magermilchpulver, Kakaobutter, Glukosesirup Gerstenmalzextrakt, Kakaomasse, Butterreinfett (aus Milch) Milchzucker, Molkepermeat (aus Milch), Palmfett. Palmkernfett Emulgator (Sojalecithin), Weizenmehl, Backtriebmittel (Calciumphosphate, Natriumcarbonate, Kaliumcarbonate) Weizenkleber, Süssmolkenpulver (aus Milch), Überzugsmittel (Pektine), Salz, Vanilleextrakt.

84%

35%

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