Why is this shortbread classified as a NOVA 3 product and what additives does it contain?

NOVA 3 denotes processed foods that contain added ingredients such as sugar, salt, fats or leavening agents; this shortbread includes the raising agent ammonium carbonate (E503) together with fortified wheat flour, butter, sugar and cornflour, which places it in that category.

How do the sugar and saturated‑fat levels in this shortbread impact a diabetic or heart‑healthy diet?

With 19.9 g of sugar per 100 g, the biscuit adds a moderate amount of quickly absorbable carbohydrates, which can raise blood glucose and therefore should be limited for diabetics, while the very high saturated‑fat content (15.6 g) can increase LDL cholesterol, making it unsuitable for a heart‑healthy regimen that recommends low saturated‑fat intake.

Is this shortbread suitable for people who need to avoid gluten or dairy, and what allergens are listed?

No, the product contains fortified wheat flour (gluten) and salted butter made from cow’s milk, and the allergen list explicitly flags wheat/gluten and milk, so it is not safe for gluten‑free or dairy‑free diets.

Sainsbury's

shortbread

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Sainsbury’s shortbread is a vegetarian shortbread biscuit that falls under the “Sugary snacks” and “Biscuits and cakes” PNNS groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 3, reflecting a processed product with high saturated fat (15.6 g), total fat (25.9 g) and calories (≈ 507 kcal per 100 g) despite modest sugar (19.9 g) and salt (0.67 g) levels. The biscuit provides some fiber (2.1 g) and protein (4.5 g) but contains gluten, milk, and the additive ammonium carbonate (E503), which may be concerns for certain dietary restrictions.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal507 kcal

Fat25.9 g

Saturated Fat15.6 g

Carbohydrates62.9 g

Sugars19.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average snack biscuits, this shortbread contains less sugar (19.9 g vs 28.98 g) and salt (0.67 g vs 1.98 g) but considerably more fat (25.9 g vs 17.65 g), saturated fat (15.6 g vs 7.8 g) and calories (≈ 507 kcal vs 418 kcal), while offering slightly lower fiber, protein and higher carbohydrates.

Ingredients

160g Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin), Salted Butter (33%) (Butter (Cows' Milk), Salt), Sugar, Cornflour, Sea Salt, Raising Agent: Ammonium Carbonates. Allergy advice: For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. Also, not suitable for customers with an allergy to nuts or oats due to manufacturing methods. CBOX Recycle TRAY Recycle

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.