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

The confection is made from refined sugar, vegetable oils, flavorings and numerous industrial ingredients, which places it in NOVA group 4 for ultra‑processed foods. Its label lists 13 additives, including emulsifiers (soy lecithin, E471), stabilizers (E322, E322i), humectant (E422), colorants (E100, E133, E162, E170, E150a, E160a, E160e), glazing agent (E903), and others such as dextrin (E1400) and a palm‑derived ingredient (E570).

How does the high sugar and salt content in M&M's Salted Caramel affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 64 g of sugar per 100 g, the candy can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control. The 0.63 g of salt per 100 g exceeds the average for sweet snacks and can contribute to elevated blood pressure, so individuals with hypertension should limit consumption.

Is the milk ingredient in M&M's Salted Caramel a concern for individuals with dairy allergies, and what other allergens are present?

Yes, the product contains whole‑milk powder, which is a major allergen for people with dairy sensitivities. It also includes soy lecithin, another common allergen, and both milk and soy are highlighted in the allergen information.

Mars • 367 gram

M&M's Salted Caramel

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

M&M's Salted Caramel are chocolate candy‑coated caramel pieces marketed as a sweet snack, belonging to the Sugary snacks and Sweets categories. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature, with high levels of sugar (64 g), fat (19 g) including saturated fat (11 g), and salt (0.63 g per 100 g, exceeding typical snack averages, while offering modest protein (4.5 g) and no dietary fiber. It also contains 13 listed additives such as emulsifiers, colorants and palm‑derived fats, and lists milk and soy as allergens, which may be relevant for consumers with specific dietary restrictions.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal475 kcal

Fat19 g

Saturated Fat11 g

Carbohydrates71 g

Sugars64 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet‑snack, M&M's Salted Caramel contains markedly more sugar (64 g vs 53.44 g), fat (19 g vs 10.52 g), saturated fat (11 g vs 6.99 g) and salt (0.63 g vs 0.36 g) per 100 g, and delivers higher energy (475 kcal vs 373.36 kcal) while providing slightly more protein and virtually no fiber.

Ingredients

Sucre, pâte de cacao, poudre de lait entier, sirop de glucose lait écrémé concentré sucré, beurre de cacao, huile de palme, amidon, perméat de 6) lactosérum (ait), matière grasse de palme, stearine de palme, sel, émulsifiants (lécithine de soja, E471), matière grasse de karité, humectant (glycérol), dextrine, sirop de glucose, arôme, agent d'enrobage (cire de carnauba), colorants (E162, E100, E133, E170, E150a, E160a, E160e), huile de palmiste

84%

35%

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