Why is Chocolate Cake classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labeled NOVA 4 because it combines refined sugars, multiple emulsifiers, preservatives and flavorings that are industrially produced; the additive list includes preservative E202 (potassium sorbate), emulsifier E322 (lecithins), humectant E422 (glycerol), raising agents E450 and E450i (diphosphates), emulsifiers E471 and E475 (mono‑ and diglycerides, polyglycerol esters), and anticaking agents E500 and E500i (sodium carbonate).

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

With 29 g of sugar per 100 g, the cake can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while its modest 0.4 g of salt is below average and poses a lower risk for hypertension but the overall high sugar still limits its suitability for heart‑healthy diets.

Is the milk present in this Chocolate Cake a concern for lactose‑intolerant consumers?

Yes; the formulation includes whole‑milk powder, butter, whey powder, milk sugar (lactose) and whipping cream, all of which contain lactose and can trigger symptoms in lactose‑intolerant individuals.

Tesco finest*

Chocolate Cake

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

The Tesco Finest Chocolate Cake is a sweet snack belonging to the sugary snacks and biscuits‑and‑cakes groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), reflecting its high levels of total fat (20.4 g), sugars (29 g) and saturated fat (5.8 g) per 100 g, while salt is modest at 0.4 g. The product contains several additives (E202, E322, E422, E450, E450i, E471, E475, E500, E500i) and common allergens such as milk, egg, wheat and soy, which may be a drawback for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal405 kcal

Fat20.4 g

Saturated Fat5.8 g

Carbohydrates49.9 g

Sugars29 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack cake, this Chocolate Cake has slightly more sugars (29 g vs 28.98 g) and noticeably higher total fat (20.4 g vs 17.65 g), but its saturated fat (5.8 g) and salt (0.4 g) are lower than the typical values.

Ingredients

sugar, wheat flour [wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin], rapeseed oil, egg, butter (milk), glucose syrup, fat reduced cocoa powder, humectant (glycerol), belgian marbled chocolate curls [sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, dried whole milk, whey powder (milk), milk sugar, butteroil (milk), emulsifier (soya lecithins), flavouring]), belgian milk chocolate [sugar, dried whole milk, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, whey powder (milk), emulsifier (soya lecithins), flavouring], egg white, milk, whipping cream (milk), cornflour, wheat starch, invert sugar syrup, raising agents (disodium diphosphate, sodium carbonate), preservative (potassium sorbate), emulsifiers (mono - and di-glycerides of fatty acids, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids), salt, flavouring. allergy advice for allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. also, may contain peanuts and nuts. suitable for vegetarians f s pa *rei rec c carto recycle tesco sta welwyn ga tesco irela gresham he marine road co. dublin. www.tesco.c

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