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

Maltesers is labeled as NOVA 4 because it contains refined sugar, added fats, emulsifiers, raising agents and other industrial ingredients; its additive list includes soy lecithin (E322), sodium stearoyl lactylate (E492), phosphates (E341), sodium carbonates (E500), sodium bicarbonate (E501) and pectin (E440) used for the coating.

How does the sugar and saturated fat content in Maltesers affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 53 g of sugar and 15 g of saturated fat per 100 g, Maltesers can cause rapid blood glucose spikes and raise LDL cholesterol, making it unsuitable for regular consumption by people with diabetes or high blood pressure; occasional small portions are the only safe option.

Is the palm oil used in Maltesers a concern for sustainability and environmental impact?

The product contains both palm oil and palm kernel oil, ingredients linked to deforestation and habitat loss for threatened species, so its use raises sustainability concerns despite any labeling; consumers seeking environmentally friendly options may prefer alternatives without palm-derived fats.

Maltesers, Mars • 400g

Maltesers

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maltesers is a sugary snack that falls under the PNNS 'Sugary snacks' group. It has a Nutri-Score of E and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), reflecting its high sugar (53 g per 100 g), saturated fat (15 g per 100 g) and moderate salt, as well as the inclusion of palm oil and multiple additives. While it offers a quick source of energy and contains milk proteins, it should be eaten sparingly because of its poor nutritional profile and the presence of common allergens such as milk, soy and gluten.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal503 kcal

Fat25 g

Saturated Fat15 g

Carbohydrates62 g

Sugars53 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, this Maltesers product contains about the same amount of sugar (53 g vs 53.44 g per 100 g) but markedly more saturated fat (15 g vs 6.99 g) and slightly higher salt (0.38 g vs 0.36 g), resulting in a higher energy content (around 508 kcal vs 373 kcal per 100 g).

Ingredients

sucre, _lait_ écrémé en poudre, beurre de cacao, sirop de glucose, extrait de malt d'_orge_, pâte de cacao, matière grasse de palme, perméat de lactosérum (_lait_), matière grasse du _lait_, émulsifiants (lécithine de _soja_, E492), matière grasse de palmiste, farine de _blé_, poudres à lever (E341, E500, E501), gluten de _blé_, petit-_lait_ doux en poudre (_lait_), sel, agent d'enrobage (pectines)

84%

35%

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