How does the high sugar content of Jaffa Cakes affect a diabetic or low‑sugar diet?

With 50 g of sugar per 100 g, Jaffa Cakes can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for people managing diabetes or following a low‑sugar regimen unless consumed in very small portions and balanced with other low‑glycaemic foods.

Is the palm oil used in Jaffa Cakes a concern for environmental sustainability?

Yes, the product contains palm oil derived from palm fruit, which is linked to habitat loss and threatened species; this is reflected in an Eco‑Score adjustment of –10 points for palm oil, indicating a measurable negative impact on sustainability.

McVitie's

Jaffa Cakes

Q: Why is Jaffa Cakes classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product contains several industrial additives such as emulsifiers (soya lecithin and E476), acidity regulators (citric acid and sodium citrates), a humectant (glycerine), raising agents (disodium diphosphate, ammonium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate), a colour (curcumin, E100) and natural flavourings, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods and contribute to its NOVA 4 classification.

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Jaffa Cakes are a sweet snack belonging to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes categories. They carry a Nutri-Score of E and are classified as ultra-processed (NOVA group 4), reflecting their high sugar content (50 g per 100 g) and presence of multiple additives and allergens such as milk, eggs, gluten and soy. While they provide modest fiber (2.1 g) and protein (5 g) and have low salt (0.27 g), their overall nutritional profile is dominated by sugars and fats, making them a treat rather than a nutritious option.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal376 kcal

Fat8.1 g

Saturated Fat4 g

Carbohydrates69.6 g

Sugars50 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the typical snack in its category, Jaffa Cakes have dramatically higher sugar (50 g vs ≈29 g per 100 g) while delivering lower fat (8 g vs ≈18 g), saturated fat (4 g vs ≈8 g), salt (0.27 g vs ≈2 g) and energy (376 kcal vs ≈418 kcal), but more carbohydrates (70 g vs ≈60 g) and slightly less fiber and protein.

Ingredients

Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Dark Chocolate (19%) [Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Vegetable Fats (Palm, Shea), Butter Oil (Milk), Cocoa Butter, Emulsifiers (Soya Lecithin, E476), Natural Flavouring], Sugar, Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Whole Egg, Water, Dextrose, Concentrated Orange Juice, Glucose Syrup, Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Palm), Humectant (Glycerine), Acid (Citric Acid), Gelling Agent (Pectin), Raising Agents (Disodium Diphosphate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate), Dried Whole Egg, Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrates), Natural Orange Flavouring, Colour (Curcumin), Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin),

84%

35%

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