Why is M&M's chocolate classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The candy is labelled NOVA 4 because it is made from refined ingredients such as sugar, cocoa paste, milk powder and multiple industrial additives. Its additive list includes colourants E100 (turmeric) and E133 (blue), a stabiliser (arabic gum, E414), an emulsifier (soy lecithin, E322), dextrin (E1400), a polish (carnauba wax, E903) and several other food‑grade chemicals that are typical of highly processed foods.

How does the high sugar and saturated fat content in M&M's chocolate affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The 67 g of sugars per 100 g can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, which is problematic for people with diabetes, and the 12 g of saturated fat may raise LDL cholesterol, contributing to cardiovascular risk for those with hypertension or heart disease. Consequently, the candy is generally unsuitable as a regular snack for these conditions.

Is the hazelnut ingredient in M&M's chocolate a concern for people with nut allergies?

Yes, the product lists hazelnuts as a flavor ingredient and also indicates possible traces of peanuts and almonds, so anyone with tree‑nut or peanut allergy should avoid it to prevent allergic reactions.

Mars • 90 g

M&M's chocolate

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

M&M's chocolate is a sugary candy classified under the Sugary snacks and Sweets groups. It carries a Nutri-Score of E, belongs to NOVA group 4, and provides 480 kcal per 100 g, with 67 g of sugars, 19 g of total fat, 12 g of saturated fat and only 0.13 g of salt, making it high in sugar and saturated fat while low in salt. The product contains milk, nuts and soy allergens and includes several additives such as colorants (E100, E133), emulsifier (soy lecithin), stabiliser (arabic gum) and palm‑derived fats, confirming its status as an ultra‑processed confectionery.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal480 kcal

Fat19 g

Saturated Fat12 g

Carbohydrates71 g

Sugars67 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, M&M's chocolate has considerably more sugar, fat, saturated fat and calories, while its salt content is lower.

Ingredients

Cukr, kakaová hmota, sušené plnotučné mléko, laktóza, kakaové máslo, škrob, palmový tuk, glukózový sirup, bambucký tuk, stabilizátor (arabská guma), emulgátor (sójový lecitin), barviva*, dextrin, leštící látka (karnaubský vosk), palmojádrový tuk, jedlá sůl, přírodní vanilkový extrakt, aroma, (Může obsahovat: arašídy, mandle, lískové oříšky), *E100 , E133, E160a, E160e , E162, E170, E172,

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