Why is Digestives The Original Wheat Biscuit classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is made from refined wheat flour, palm oil, added sugars and raising agents, which are hallmarks of ultra‑processed foods, and it lists three food‑grade additives: E500 (sodium carbonate), E296 (malic acid) and E503 (ammonium carbonate).

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

With 15.1 g of sugar per 100 g, the biscuit can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making it a less suitable choice for people managing diabetes, while the 1.3 g of salt per 100 g contributes to sodium intake and may challenge blood‑pressure control for hypertensive individuals.

Is the wheat flour in this biscuit a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, the product contains wheat flour that provides gluten, so it is not safe for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, and it also notes possible traces of milk.

McVitie's • 400 g

Digestives The Original Wheat Biscuit

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Digestives The Original Wheat Biscuit is a 400 g pack of sweet wheat biscuits from McVitie’s, sold in a recyclable cardboard box with a plastic bag inside. The biscuits are classified as NOVA 4 ultra‑processed and carry a Nutri‑Score of E, reflecting high levels of saturated fat (10.1 g), total fat (21.3 g) and energy (≈483 kcal per 100 g) despite modest sugar (15.1 g) and a decent fiber content (3.7 g). They belong to the sugary snacks and biscuits‑and‑cakes families, contain gluten from wheat flour, may have traces of milk, and include palm oil and three food‑grade additives (E500, E296, E503), which are relevant for allergy and sustainability considerations.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal483 kcal

Fat21.3 g

Saturated Fat10.1 g

Carbohydrates63.6 g

Sugars15.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, this biscuit contains about half the sugar (15.1 g vs 28.9 g), but higher fat (21.3 g vs 17.6 g), more saturated fat (10.1 g vs 7.8 g), lower salt (1.3 g vs 2.0 g), and delivers more energy (≈483 kcal vs 418 kcal) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Farine (55%) (farine de blé, calcium, fer, niacine, thiamine), huile de palme, farine de blé complète (16%), sucre, sirop de sucre inverti, poudres à lever (carbonates de sodium, acide malique, carbonates d'ammonium), sel. Pour les allergènes, incluant les céréales contenant du gluten, voir les ingrédients en gras. Peut aussi contenir lait.

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