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

NOVA 4 denotes foods that are industrial formulations with multiple processing steps and added ingredients; Maltesers contain refined sugars, cocoa butter, various fats, and several food‑grade chemicals. The listed additives are emulsifier soy lecithin, colour/stabiliser E492, and leavening agents E341, E500 and E501.

How does the sugar and salt 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 tight diabetic control. The 0.38 g of salt is modest but adds to daily sodium intake, which may be a concern for people managing high blood pressure.

Based on the ingredients, is Maltesers suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

No. The product contains milk powders and whey (non‑vegan), wheat flour and gluten (not gluten‑free), and includes animal‑derived emulsifiers and fats that are not certified halal. Its high carbohydrate content also makes it unsuitable for strict keto regimens.

Mars • 273 g

Maltesers

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maltesers are a sugary snack classified under the PNNS groups "Sugary snacks" and "Sweets". The product carries a Nutri-Score of E and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating it is ultra‑processed and contains high levels of sugar (53 g), total fat (25 g) and saturated fat (15 g) per 100 g, with a moderate salt content (0.38 g). It also lists five food additives and allergens including milk, soy and gluten, which may be concerns for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal504 kcal

Fat25 g

Saturated Fat15 g

Carbohydrates62 g

Sugars53 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, this product contains similar sugar (53 g vs 53.44 g) but considerably more fat (25 g vs 10.5 g), saturated fat (15 g vs 7 g) and slightly higher salt (0.38 g vs 0.36 g).

Ingredients

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

84%

35%

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