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

Commercial biscuits are produced in large‑scale factories using refined flour, refined vegetable oils, leavening agents, emulsifiers, and flavor enhancers; these ingredients are combined, baked, and packaged, which meets the criteria for NOVA 4 ultra‑processed foods. Typical additives in this type of Maria biscuit include sodium bicarbonate or baking powder for rise, soy or sunflower lecithin as an emulsifier, and possible anti‑caking agents such as silicon dioxide, even though the exact list is not shown on the label.

How does the sugar and salt content in these biscuits affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1.2 g of sugar per 100 g, the biscuits add minimal direct glucose load, making them less likely to spike blood sugar compared with typical sweet biscuits; however, the 0.8 g of salt contributes to daily sodium intake and may be a concern for hypertension, especially when consumed in large portions.

Is wheat in Bolachas Maria sem açúcar a concern for people with celiac disease or wheat allergy?

Yes, the primary ingredient in traditional Maria biscuits is wheat flour, which contains gluten; therefore, the product is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or non‑celiac gluten sensitivity, and those allergic to wheat should avoid it.

Pingo Doce

Bolachas Maria sem açúcar

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Bolachas Maria sem açúcar are sugar‑free Maria biscuits marketed by Pingo Doce in Portugal. They belong to the Sugary snacks group, carry a Nutri‑Score of C and are classified as an ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) product; per 100 g they deliver 400 kcal, 11 g fat (1 g saturated), 7.6 g protein, 68 g carbohydrates and only 1.2 g sugars, with 0.8 g salt. The low sugar content is a positive, but the high energy density, moderate salt and relatively high fat make them less suitable for low‑calorie or low‑salt diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal399 kcal

Fat11 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates68 g

Sugars1.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet‑snack biscuit, this Maria biscuit contains far less sugar (1.2 g vs 28.98 g) and salt (0.8 g vs 1.98 g) but more carbohydrates (68 g vs 59.6 g) while delivering slightly fewer calories (400 kcal vs 418 kcal).

Ingredients

Wheat flour, sweetener maltitols), high oleic sunflower oil, vegetable fibre (oligofrutos whey powder (milk), salt, raising agents (ammonium carbonates, sodium carbonates), emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), antioxidant (sadium metabisulphite), flavourings. May contain traces of soybeans and mustard. / Ingrédients : Farine de blé, édulcorant (mallitols), huile de tournesol riche en acide oléique, fibre végétale (oligofructose), lactosérum en poudre, sel, poudres à lever (carbonates de sodium, carbonates d'ammonium), émulsifiant (lécithine de tournesol), antioxydant (disulfite de sodium), arômes. Peut contenir des traces de soja et moutarde. | Contém edulcorantes. O consumo excessivo pode produzir efeitos laxativos. / Contains Fibra/Fibre/F sweeteners. Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects. / Contient édulcorants. Une consommation excessive peut avoir des effets laxatifs. | Conservar em local fresco e seco, e ao abrigo da luz. Uma vez aberto, manter nas mesmas condições e fechar Proteinas/Protein a embalagem após cada utilização. / Keep in cool and dry place, away from light.

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