Why is Biscuit Marie Sugar Free classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It receives the NOVA 4 label because it is made from refined wheat flours, a low-calorie sweetener, added oils, starches and several formulated ingredients such as raising agents, emulsifiers and antioxidants; the main additive codes are sodium metabisulphite (E223), ascorbyl palmitate (E304/E304i), lecithins (E322), sodium bicarbonate (E500/E500ii) and ammonium bicarbonate (E503/E503ii).

How does the low sugar and moderate salt content of this biscuit affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 0.5 g of sugar per 100 g, the biscuit adds minimal carbohydrate load, making it acceptable in small portions for people with diabetes, but the 0.85 g of salt (about 340 mg of sodium) contributes to daily sodium intake and should be counted by anyone monitoring blood pressure.

Is Biscuit Marie Sugar Free suitable for a vegan, gluten-free, or keto diet?

The formulation contains no animal-derived ingredients, so it is vegan, but it includes both whole-wheat and wheat flour which provide gluten, making it unsuitable for a gluten-free diet; its high carbohydrate content (76 g per 100 g) also means it does not fit the low-carb requirements of a keto diet.

Vieira • 150 g (6 x 25 g)

Biscuit Marie Sugar Free

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Biscuit Marie Sugar Free is a shortbread style sweet snack made primarily from whole wheat and wheat flour, sweetened with a low calorie maltitol sweetener, and enriched with sunflower oil, corn starch, soluble corn fibre and a blend of raising agents and antioxidants. Nutritionally it offers low sugar (0.5 g per 100 g), moderate protein (8.2 g) and fiber (3.9 g) while keeping fat (8.6 g), saturated fat (1.2 g) and salt (0.85 g) below the average values for sweet snacks, resulting in a Nutri-Score of C. However, the product is classified as ultra processed (NOVA 4) and contains five food additives (including E223, E304, E322, E500 and E503), which may be a concern for consumers seeking minimally processed foods.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal398 kcal

Fat8.6 g

Saturated Fat1.2 g

Carbohydrates76 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, this biscuit contains far less sugar (0.5 g vs 28.98 g per 100 g) and about half the fat (8.6 g vs 17.65 g), while providing more protein (8.2 g vs 6.33 g) and slightly more fiber (3.9 g vs 3.07 g).

Ingredients

Farinha de trigo integral (gluten) (41%), farinha de trigo (gluten), edulcorante (malito)) oleo de girassol alto oleico (com antioxidantes (extrato rico em tocoferóis, palmitato de ascorbilo)), amido de milho, levedantes (hidrogenocarbonato de amónio e hidrogenocarbonato de sódio), fibra de milho solúvel, aromas, emulsionante (lecitinas (soia)), sal e antioxidante (metabissulfito de sódio).

84%

35%

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