Why is M&M's Crispy Chicken classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product receives a NOVA 4 rating because its ingredient list includes refined sugars, multiple vegetable fats, emulsifiers, flavorings and colorants that are industrially derived rather than whole foods. Key additives are colorants E120 (cochineal), E170 (calcium carbonate), E100 (turmeric), E133 (blue 1), the stabilizer E414 (gum arabic), the glazing agent E903 (carnauba wax) and soy lecithin as an emulsifier.

How does the high sugar and fat content of this candy affect diabetic or hypertensive diets?

With 57 g of sugars and 21 g of total fat per 100 g, the candy can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and increase overall caloric intake, which may hinder blood‑sugar control in diabetes and contribute to weight gain, a risk factor for hypertension. The modest salt level (0.35 g) is close to average and is less likely to impact blood pressure, but the overall nutritional profile is not suitable for regular consumption in these medical diets.

Is the palm oil used in M&M's Crispy Chicken a sustainability concern?

Yes, the product contains palm kernel fat and palm oil, which are linked to deforestation and loss of biodiversity when sourced from unsustainable plantations. Consumers seeking environmentally responsible choices should look for certified sustainable palm oil or alternative fats.

M&M's, Mars • 128g

M&M's Crispy

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

M&M's Crispy Chicken is a 128 g chocolate‑coated candy marketed under the M&M's brand and classified in the Sugary snacks and Sweets groups. It is an ultra‑processed product (NOVA 4) with a Nutri‑Score of E, delivering 485 kcal per 100 g, 21 g of fat (14 g saturated), 57 g of sugars and 4.3 g of protein, while its salt level is 0.35 g. The formulation contains milk, soy and gluten allergens and includes several food additives such as colorants E120, E170, E100, E133, the emulsifier soy lecithin, and palm‑derived fats, which may be a concern for sustainability‑focused consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal485 kcal

Fat21 g

Saturated Fat14 g

Carbohydrates68 g

Sugars57 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average chocolate‑covered snack, this product has markedly more fat (21 g vs 10.5 g), roughly double the saturated fat (14 g vs 7 g), slightly higher sugar (57 g vs 53.4 g), a comparable salt level (0.35 g vs 0.36 g), higher calories (485 kcal vs 373 kcal), similar carbohydrates and higher protein.

Ingredients

Zucker, Kakaomasse, Reismehl (9.2%) Magermilchpulver Kakaobutter, Palmkernfett, Palmfett, Stärke, Molkepermeat (Milch), Butterreinfett (Milch), Glukosesirup, Sheafett, Gerstenmalzextrakt, Stabilisator (Gummi arabicum), Salz, Dextrin, Emulgator (Sojalecithin), Dextrose, Überzugsmittel (Carnaubawachs), Aroma, Farbstoffe (E120, E170, E100, E133, E160a, E160e). Palmkernöl. (Kann enthalten: Erdnüsse, Mandeln, Haselnüsse). [U] Cukierki z mlecznej czekolady (55%) z kruchym ryżowym wnętrzem (16%) w chruplace kolorowej skorupce. Składniki: cukier, miazga kakaowa, mąka ryżowa (9.2% odtłuszczone mleko w proszku, tłuszcz kakaowy, tłuszcz z nasion palmowych tłuszcz palmowy, skrobia, permeat serwatki (mleko), tłuszcz mleczny, syre glukozowy, tłuszcz shea, jęczmienny ekstrakt słodowy, stabilizator (gu arabska), sól, dekstryna, emulgator (lecytyna sojowa), dekstroza, substanc glazurująca (wosk carnauba), aromat, barwniki (E120, E170, E100, E133, E160a, E160e), alej Z nasion palmowych. (Może zawierać: orzeszki emne, migdały, orzechy laskowe).

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