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

It is made from refined wheat flour, added sugars, vegetable oils, cocoa mass, and typically includes emulsifiers such as soy lecithin and stabilisers like E‑322, which together qualify the product as ultra‑processed under the NOVA system.

How does the sugar and salt content of this biscuit affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With roughly 26 g of sugar and 0.8 g of salt per 100 g, the biscuit can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes for people with diabetes and contribute to elevated blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, so it should be eaten only occasionally and in small portions.

Is the wheat (gluten) in this product a concern for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance?

Yes, the biscuit contains wheat flour, which provides gluten; therefore it is not suitable for anyone requiring a gluten‑free diet, such as those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.

McVities

Digestives Dark Chocolate

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Digestives Dark Chocolate are chocolate‑covered digestive biscuits marketed as sugary snacks and belong to the biscuits and cakes family, carrying a Nutri‑Score of E and classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4). On the positive side, the snack provides 4 g of dietary fiber per 100 g and modest protein while keeping salt below 1 g, fitting within the typical range for sweet biscuits. However, it is high in total fat (24 g), saturated fat (12 g), and delivers 488 kcal per 100 g, with sugars approaching 26 g, making it a calorie‑dense treat that should be consumed sparingly.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy2045 kJ

Saturated Fat12.3 g

Sugars25.9 g

Fiber4.1 g

Salt0.81 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack biscuit, this dark‑chocolate‑covered Digestive contains more fat (24 g vs 17.6 g) and saturated fat (12.3 g vs 7.8 g), slightly less sugar (25.9 g vs 29 g), lower salt (0.8 g vs 2 g), and provides higher energy (488 kcal vs 418 kcal).

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Digestives Dark Chocolate.

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