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

The biscuit is made from refined wheat flour, added sugars, sunflower oil, whey powder and several industrial ingredients such as leavening agents (sodium bicarbonate and ammonium bicarbonate), soy lecithin as an emulsifier, sodium metabisulphite as an antioxidant and flavorings, all listed under E‑numbers (E223, E500, E500ii, E503, E503ii), which together place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group.

How does the sugar and salt content of Bolacha Maria affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 20 g of sugars and 0.6 g of salt per 100 g, the biscuit can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose for diabetics and contribute to higher sodium intake for people with hypertension, so it should be limited to small portions and not be a regular snack for these conditions.

Is Bolacha Maria suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

No; the product contains wheat flour (gluten), whey powder (milk) and other animal‑derived ingredients, making it unsuitable for vegan, gluten‑free or low‑carb/keto diets.

Pingo doce • 200 g

Bolacha Maria

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Bolacha Maria is a traditional sweet biscuit from the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups, sold under the Pingo Doce brand. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, containing 20 g of sugars, 0.6 g of salt and 430 kcal per 100 g, while its fat, saturated fat and fiber levels are relatively low. Although its sugar, fat and salt are lower than the average biscuit, the presence of added sugars, wheat, milk and several additives makes it best enjoyed in moderation.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal430 kcal

Fat9.6 g

Saturated Fat1.2 g

Carbohydrates77 g

Sugars20 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average biscuit in its category, this Maria biscuit contains less fat (9.6 g vs 17.6 g), less saturated fat (1.2 g vs 7.8 g), less salt (0.6 g vs 2.0 g) and slightly lower sugar (20 g vs 29 g), while delivering a comparable energy level (430 kcal vs 418 kcal).

Ingredients

Farinha de trigo (70%), açúcar, óleo de girassol com alto teor em ácido oleico (9%), xarope de glicose-frutose, soro de leite em pó, levedantes (hidrogenocarbonato de sódio e hidrogenocarbonato de amónio), sal, emulsionante (lecitina de soja), 24 antioxidante (metabissulfito de sódio), aroma.

84%

35%

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