Why does Pains au chocolat receive a Nutri‑Score of E and which nutrients drive this low rating?

The Nutri‑Score penalises high energy, saturated fat, sugars and salt; this croissant has 12.1 g saturated fat, 14.4 g sugars and 0.63 g salt, generating many negative points, while its only positive contribution is 3.2 g fiber, resulting in the low E grade.

How do the sugar and saturated‑fat levels in this chocolate croissant affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The high sugar content can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control, and the elevated saturated‑fat level can raise LDL cholesterol, while even moderate salt can exacerbate hypertension, so it should be eaten only occasionally.

Is the soy lecithin used as an emulsifier a problem for people with soy allergy?

Yes, soy lecithin is derived from soy and is listed as an allergen, so anyone allergic to soy should avoid this product.

TESCO

Pains au chocolat

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Tesco's Pains au chocolat is a French‑style chocolate‑filled croissant classified as a sugary snack/pastry and labeled vegetarian, kosher and containing eggs, milk, gluten and soy. Per 100 g it delivers 403 kcal, 19.7 g fat (12.1 g saturated), 14.4 g sugars (high), 0.63 g salt (moderate), 8.1 g protein and 3.2 g fiber, giving it a decent protein and fibre content but a high saturated‑fat and calorie load. The item is an ultra‑processed product (NOVA 4) with a Nutri‑Score of E and includes two additives (ascorbic acid E300 and soy lecithin E322), reflecting its lower overall nutritional quality.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal403 kcal

Fat19.7 g

Saturated Fat12.1 g

Carbohydrates46.8 g

Sugars14.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar pastries, this croissant contains less sugar and salt but more total fat, saturated fat and calories while offering higher fiber and protein.

Ingredients

Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Dark Chocolate (22%), Butter (Milk) (18%), Water, Sugar, Yeast, Salt, Pasteurised Egg, Dried Skimmed Milk, Flour Treatment Agent (Ascorbic Acid). Dark Chocolate contains: Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Anhydrous Milk Fat, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithins).

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.