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

Corn Flakes undergo industrial extrusion, contain added sugars, salt, malt extract, the emulsifier mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) and a tocopherol‑rich antioxidant, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods and place it in the NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and salt content in Corn Flakes affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 7 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, which is not ideal for diabetes management, and its 1.8 g of salt contributes significantly to daily sodium intake, making it less suitable for people monitoring blood pressure.

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

Yes; the malt extract used in the formulation may contain gluten, so the product is not gluten‑free and should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Continente,SONAE • 500 g

Corn Flakes

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Corn Flakes is a 500 g plant‑based breakfast cereal that belongs to the Cereals and potatoes family. It is low in fat (1.1 g) and saturated fat (0.5 g) and provides 3.4 g of fiber and 6 g of protein per 100 g, but it contains 7 g of sugar, 1.8 g of salt and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) with additives such as mono‑ and diglycerides (E471) and a tocopherol‑rich antioxidant. The product also includes malt extract that contains gluten, so it is unsuitable for a gluten‑free diet and carries a Nutri‑Score of D, indicating limited overall nutritional quality.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal377 kcal

Fat1.1 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates84 g

Sugars7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, this corn flakes has markedly lower fat, saturated fat and sugar, but also provides less fiber and protein while containing slightly more salt and considerably more carbohydrates.

Ingredients

Milho (91%) açúcar, sal, extrato de malte (_glúten_), emulsionante (mono e diglicéridos de ácidos gordos), antioxidante (extrato rico em tocoferais), vitaminas (tiamina B1), riboflavina (B2), niacina (B3), ácido pantoténico (B5), vitamina B6, biotina (B8), ácido fólico (B9), vitamina B12) e ferro.

84%

35%

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