Why is Salted caramel drinking chocolate classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

It is deemed ultra‑processed because the formula mixes refined cocoa solids, several types of sugars, two milk powders, emulsifiers and flavourings, all of which are industrially derived; the only listed additive is the emulsifier E322 (a blend of sunflower and soy lecithins) used to improve solubility.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this salted caramel drinking chocolate affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 43 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic management, and its 0.6 g of salt exceeds the moderate threshold, potentially raising blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, so both groups should limit consumption.

Is this product suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

No; it contains dairy milk powders and milk, soy lecithin that is not certified vegan, gluten‑containing cereals, and it lacks halal certification, while its high carbohydrate content also rules it out for keto, making it unsuitable for those dietary restrictions.

Hotel Chocolat

Salted caramel drinking chocolate

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Salted caramel drinking chocolate is an instant cocoa‑based beverage powder marketed by Hotel Chocolat, classified under the sugary snacks and sweets groups. It is a highly processed (NOVA 4) product with very high fat (38.8 g), saturated fat (23.3 g) and salt (0.6 g) per 100 g, delivering 569 kcal, while its sugar content is 43 g, which is lower than the typical instant chocolate average but still high, and it provides 7.9 g of protein and 2.9 g of fibre. The formulation is vegetarian, free from artificial flavours and alcohol, but contains milk, soy, gluten and traces of nuts, and includes emulsifier E322, making it unsuitable for dairy‑free, soy‑free or nut‑free consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal569 kcal

Fat38.8 g

Saturated Fat23.3 g

Carbohydrates45.1 g

Sugars43 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average instant chocolate powder, it contains substantially more fat (38.8 g vs 10.5 g) and calories (569 kcal vs 373 kcal) while having lower sugar (43 g vs 53 g) and carbohydrate levels.

Ingredients

Cocoa solids (cocoa butter, cocoa mass), sugar, full cream MILK powder, caramel sugar, glucose syrup), skimmed MILK powder, caramelised sugar, sea salt, emulsifiers (sunflower lecithin, SOYA lecithin), flavourings, natural (paprika). Milk chocolate contains minimum 50% cocoa solids, minimum 20% milk solids. Caramel milk chocolate contains minimum 36% coco minimum 26% milk solids. For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in BOLD. May contain tree nuts, peanuts, gluten w sesame. Suitable for vegetarians. Alcohol free. No artificial flavours.

84%

35%

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