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

NOVA 4 covers products made mostly from industrial formulations with multiple additives; Mars Ice Cream combines dairy, sugar, vegetable fats and several food‑grade additives. The label lists emulsifier E471, lecithin (E322 and soy lecithin), and stabilisers E407 (alginate), E410 (locust bean gum) and E412 (guar gum), which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the high sugar content in this product affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With roughly 24 g of sugar per 100 ml, the ice cream can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control. Although its salt level is low, the high sugar and saturated‑fat content contribute to overall calorie load and may exacerbate cardiovascular risk for those with hypertension.

Is Mars Ice Cream suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or keto diets?

No. The product contains skimmed milk, cream and other dairy ingredients, so it is not vegan. Gluten is declared as an allergen, ruling it out for gluten‑free diets. Its high carbohydrate and sugar levels also exceed the limits of a keto regimen.

Mars • 4

Mars Ice Cream

Milk And Dairy Products

Product Insights

Mars Ice Cream is a ready‑to‑eat frozen dessert produced by Mars, classified in the PNNS group “Ice cream”. It delivers 267 kcal per 100 ml, with 14 g fat (8.5 g saturated), 24 g sugars, 0.2 g salt and 1.5 g protein, giving it a Nutri‑Score of D and a NOVA 4 rating that signals an ultra‑processed product. The product lists milk, gluten, nuts, peanuts and soy as allergens, contains palm oil and several food additives (E471, E322, E407, E410, E412, soy lecithin), which may raise concerns for sustainability‑aware or sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Added Sugars21.8 g

Fruits & Vegetables0 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ice‑cream (21.35 g sugar, 11.6 g fat, 7.4 g saturated fat, 1.2 g salt and 230 kcal per 100 g), Mars Ice Cream contains about 24 g sugar, 14 g fat, 8.5 g saturated fat and 267 kcal, while its salt is lower at 0.2 g.

Ingredients

Skimmed Milk (17%), Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Cream (Milk) (14%), Water, Palm Fat, Sweetened Condensed Skimmed Milk, Coconut Fat, Cocoa Mass (3.1%), Skimmed Milk Powder, Barley Malt Extract, Milk Fat, Whey Permeate (Milk), Lactose (Milk), Fat-reduced Cocoa Powder, Emulsifiers (E471, Soya Lecithin), Stabilisers (E407, E410, E412), Salt, Vanilla Extract, Natural Flavouring (Milk)

84%

35%

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