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

Corn Flakes is labeled NOVA 4 because it includes several industrial ingredients such as added sugar, salt, barley malt extract, an emulsifier (E471), a vitamin blend, and an antioxidant extract rich in tocopherols, all of which are typical of highly processed foods.

How does the salt content in Corn Flakes affect a hypertensive diet?

With 1.8 g of salt per 100 g, a standard serving can contribute a significant portion of the daily recommended sodium limit, which may raise blood pressure and is therefore not ideal for people managing hypertension.

Is the barley malt extract in Corn Flakes a concern for people with gluten sensitivity?

Barley malt extract contains gluten, so the product is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, even though the rest of the ingredients are plant‑based.

Nacional • 500 g

Corn Flakes

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Corn Flakes is a corn‑based breakfast cereal that belongs to the Breakfast cereals group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product, with low fat (1.1 g per 100 g) and sugar (7.1 g per 100 g) but a relatively high salt level (1.8 g per 100 g). While it supplies quick carbohydrates and 6 g of protein per 100 g, it is low in fiber (3.4 g), contains gluten from barley malt extract, and includes an emulsifier (E471), which may be concerns for certain diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal378 kcal

Fat1.1 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates84 g

Sugars7.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast‑cereal profile, this corn flake contains about half the sugar (7.1 g vs 14.1 g), markedly less fat (1.1 g vs 9 g) but slightly more salt (1.8 g vs 1.8 g) and delivers higher carbohydrate content while providing considerably lower fiber and protein.

Ingredients

Milho (90%), açúcar, sal, extrato de malte de CEVADA (glúten), emulsionante (mono e diglicerideos de ácidos gordos), vitaminas (tiamina (B1), riboflavina (B2), niacina (B3), ácido pantoténico (B5), B6, biotina (B8), ácido fólico (B9) e B12), ferro e antioxidante (extrato rico em tocoferóis).

84%

35%

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