Why is oven baked cheese & onion flavour potato snack classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labelled NOVA 4 because it is made from refined potato flakes, added oils and a cheese-onion seasoning that include multiple industrial ingredients such as lecithin emulsifier (E322), colourants annatto (E160b) and paprika extract (E160c), acidity regulators (citric acid E330 and malic acid E296), and flavourings that contain milk-derived whey, all of which are typical of ultra-processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in this snack affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Each 100 g portion provides 7.27 g of sugars and 0.91 g of salt; the sugar level is higher than the average salty snack and can raise blood glucose, while the salt amount, although moderate, still contributes to daily sodium intake and may be a concern for people managing hypertension.

Is the cheese in this snack a concern for people with milk allergy or who follow a vegan diet?

Yes - the product lists cheese, whey permeate, whey protein, dried cheese and skimmed milk powder, all derived from milk, so it triggers the milk allergen warning and makes the snack unsuitable for vegans.

Walkers • 22g

oven baked cheese & onion flavour potato snack

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

This oven-baked cheese and onion flavored potato snack belongs to the salty snacks and appetizers family. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and is classified in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 group, reflecting the presence of several additives such as emulsifier lecithins, colourants E160b and E160c, and dairy-derived ingredients like cheese and whey. While it offers modest fiber and low saturated fat, it also contains moderate amounts of fat, sugar and salt and is not suitable for vegans or those allergic to milk.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal436 kcal

Fat2.8 g

Saturated Fat0.3 g

Carbohydrates16 g

Sugars1.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average salty snack, this product contains about 7.3 g of sugars per 100 g (nearly double the 3.8 g average), but only 0.9 g of salt (far below the 52.4 g average) and 1.4 g of saturated fat (well under the 5.1 g average).

Ingredients

Potato Flakes, Starch, Rapeseed Oil, Cheese & Onion Seasoning, Sugar, Emulsifier (Lecithins), Sunflower Oil, Colour (Annatto Norbixin) Cheese & Onion Seasoning: Whey Permeate (from Milk), Salt, Sugar, Flavouring (contains Milk), Rice Flour, Onion Powder, Acidity Regulators (Citric Acid, Malic Acid), Whey Protein (from Milk), Garlic Powder, Dried Cheese (0.1%) (from Milk), Whey Powder (from Milk), Colour (Paprika Extract, Annatto Bixin), Skimmed Milk Powder. Allergy Advice Contains: See highlighted ingredients May Contain: Wheat, Gluten, Barley, Soya, Celery, Mustard SUITABLE FOR VEGETARIANS ALVERS Logo are registered

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.