Why is Benecol Yoghurt classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The yogurt undergoes multiple industrial steps such as fruit puree incorporation, plant stanol ester fortification and stabiliser addition, which qualify it as ultra‑processed. Its additive list includes plant stanol ester, modified starch, pectin, sodium citrate, citric acid, natural flavourings, beta‑carotene colour, and elderberry juice.

How does the sugar and salt content of Benecol Yoghurt affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 8.5 g of total sugars and an estimated 21 g of added sugars per 100 g, the product can raise blood glucose levels and should be limited for diabetics. Its low salt (0.2 g) is suitable for hypertension, but the high sugar outweighs this benefit, so moderation is advised.

Does the plant stanol ester in Benecol Yoghurt provide a cholesterol‑lowering benefit, and is it safe for consumers?

Plant stanol ester is a clinically proven ingredient that can reduce LDL‑cholesterol when consumed daily at the recommended amount; it is non‑nutritional, does not trigger allergies, and is regarded as safe for the general population.

Benecol

Benecol Yoghurt

Milk And Dairy Products

Product Insights

Benecol Yoghurt is a fruit‑flavoured dairy product featuring raspberry and peach blends fortified with plant stanol ester, marketed under the Milk and dairy products family. It delivers low fat (1.9 g), low salt (0.2 g) and moderate protein (3.8 g) per 100 g, but contains added sugars estimated at 21 g and a total sugar level of 8.5 g, placing it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category with several additives. The product earns a Nutri‑Score of A and an Eco‑Score of A+, yet consumers should weigh its high added‑sugar content against these positive scores.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal72 kcal

Fat1.9 g

Saturated Fat0.6 g

Carbohydrates9.4 g

Sugars8.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average fruit‑yogurt, Benecol Yoghurt contains less than a third of the typical fat and salt, a similar amount of protein, but its sugar level (8.5 g/100 g) exceeds the category average of 7.5 g.

Ingredients

Raspberry: Yogurt 79% (milk), Raspberry 8%, Sugar, Plant Stanol Ester (plant stanols 1.7%), Stabilisers (modified starch, pectin), Elderberry juice, Acidity regulator (sodium citrate), Natural flavouring. Peach: Yogurt 79% (milk), Peach 7%, Sugar, Plant Stanol Ester (plant stanols 1.7%), Apple 1%, Stabilisers (modified starch, pectin), Natural flavouring, Acidity regulators (citric acid, sodium citrate), Colour (beta-carotene).

84%

35%

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