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

Maltesers fall into NOVA group 4 because they are made from refined sugars, milk powders, cocoa butter and several industrial ingredients; the formulation includes emulsifiers such as soy lecithin and E492, raising agents E341, E500 and E501, and a glazing agent (pectin, E440a), all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the 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 tight diabetic control, while the 0.44 g of salt per 100 g adds to daily sodium intake and may exacerbate hypertension; moderation or avoidance is advised for people managing these conditions.

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

Yes, wheat flour and wheat gluten are listed among the ingredients, meaning the product contains gluten and should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Mars, Mars Incorporated • 175g

Maltesers

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maltesers are a confectionery snack produced by Mars, classified under sugary snacks and sweets, and are sold as a frozen chocolate candy. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of E and belongs to NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature, with 54 g of sugars, 24 g of fat (including 15 g of saturated fat) and 0.44 g of salt per 100 g, alongside allergens such as milk, gluten and soy. It also contains palm oil, which raises environmental concerns, and is marked with the Green Dot recycling symbol, indicating recyclable packaging.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal502 kcal

Fat24 g

Saturated Fat15 g

Carbohydrates62 g

Sugars54 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical sweet‑snack averages, Maltesers contain slightly more sugar, more than double the fat, more than double the saturated fat, and a modestly higher amount of salt.

Ingredients

Zucker, Magermilchpulver, Kakaobutter, Glukosesirup, Gerstenmalzextrakt, Kakaomasse, Palmfett, Molkepermeat (Milch), Buttereinfett (Milch), Palmkernfett, Emulgatoren (Sojalecithin, E492), Weizenmehl, Backtriebmittel (E341, E500, E501), Weizengluten, Süssmolkepulver (Milch), Salz, Überzugsmittel (Pektine).

84%

35%

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