Why is Chocolate e Cacau Mini Bolachas classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product receives a NOVA 4 rating because its formulation relies on refined flours, sweeteners and multiple food additive ingredients rather than whole foods. It contains the sugar-alcohol maltitol (E965) as a sweetener, sodium bicarbonate (E500 ii) and ammonium bicarbonate (E503 ii) as leavening agents, and soy lecithin as an emulsifier, all of which are typical of ultra-processed foods.

How does the very low sugar content and the presence of maltitol affect people with diabetes or those sensitive to sugar alcohols?

The biscuits have only 0.7 g of sugar per 100 g, so the impact on blood glucose is minimal, but the maltitol sweetener can be partially absorbed and may raise blood sugar in large amounts; moreover, maltitol can cause digestive discomfort or a laxative effect in people who are sensitive to sugar alcohols.

Is Chocolate e Cacau Mini Bolachas suitable for a vegan diet?

No, the product is not vegan because it includes skimmed milk powder, which provides dairy protein, and therefore it fails vegan criteria despite containing plant-based ingredients such as whole wheat flour and soy lecithin.

Continente Equilíbrio • 160 g (4 x 40 g)

Chocolate e Cacau Mini Bolachas

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Chocolate e Cacau Mini Bolachas are small chocolate-cocoa biscuits marketed as a sugary snack, classified in the Sugary snacks PNNS group and also falling under biscuits and cakes. They carry a Nutri-Score of C and are placed in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra-processed product that contains additives such as maltitol (E965), sodium bicarbonate (E500 ii) and ammonium bicarbonate (E503 ii). While the biscuits are low in added sugars (0.7 g per 100 g), high in dietary fiber (12 g per 100 g) and provide 7.2 g of protein, they also contain milk, soy and gluten allergens, moderate saturated fat, and maltitol which can cause laxative effects when consumed in excess.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal415 kcal

Fat16.9 g

Saturated Fat2.9 g

Carbohydrates60.3 g

Sugars0.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack, which contains about 29 g of sugar, 17.6 g of fat and 2 g of salt per 100 g, these mini biscuits deliver only 0.7 g of sugar, 2.9 g of saturated fat and 0.67 g of salt while providing 12 g of fiber and 7.2 g of protein.

Ingredients

Farinha de _trigo_ integral, farinha de _trigo_, edulcorante (maltitol), óleo de girassol alto oleico, amido de milho, fibra vegetal (chicória), pepitas de chocolate (6%) [edulcorante (maltitol), pasta de cacau, emulsionante (lecitina de _soja_), cacau magro em pó, aroma natural], cacau magro em pó (4%), _leite_ em pó magro, aromas (_leite_), levedantes (hidrogenocarbonato de sódio, hidrogenocarbonato de amónio), sal.

84%

35%

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