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

Mars is labeled NOVA 4 because its ingredient list shows refined sugar, palm fat, soy lecithin (an emulsifier), and several processed components such as glucose skimmed milk powder and whey permeate, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar content in this product affect a diabetic diet?

With 61 g of sugar per 100 g, the bar can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and provides little dietary fiber to offset the impact, making it unsuitable for people managing diabetes.

Is this product suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or other strict diets?

No; the bar contains milk ingredients, soy lecithin, peanuts, other nuts and gluten, so it is neither vegan nor gluten‑free and may trigger allergies to milk, soy, peanuts or nuts.

Mars by Mars - Analysis & Insights

Mars

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Mars caramel chocolate bar is a sugary snack classified under the sugary snacks and biscuits & cakes groups. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and belongs to NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed formulation that includes added sugars, palm fat, soy lecithin and other additives; it provides 441 kcal per 100 g, with very high sugar (61 g), moderate fat (16 g) and lower than average salt (0.67 g). While it delivers quick energy, the excessive sugar and low nutritional rating mean it should be enjoyed only occasionally.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal441 kcal

Fat16 g

Saturated Fat7.5 g

Carbohydrates70 g

Sugars61 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, this bar contains roughly double the sugar (61 g vs 28.98 g per 100 g), slightly less salt (0.67 g vs 1.98 g) and a comparable amount of fat.

Ingredients

sugar, glucose skimmed milk powder, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, sunflower oil, whey permeate (milk), palm fat, m fat-reduced cocoa powder, barley malt extract, salt, emulsifier (soya lecithin), egg white powde contain: peanuts and other nuts). milk chocolate contains milk solids 14% minimum. milk chc contains vegetable fats in addition to cocoa suitable for vegetarians. gb get in 0800 952 0077, @ www.mars.co.uk/c freepost mars wrigley confectionery mars foods ireland ltd, po box 3856 contact us: https://ire.mars.com/, 1890 81 100% verified as responsibly sourced co purchase a volume of responsibly sourced cocoa ed to the volume used in this product. learn more at www.mars.com/cocoa-europe scan me 5%) 6%) kkj/

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