Why is m&mas minis classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is assigned to NOVA group 4 because its ingredients are largely refined and industrial‑type, including added sugars, palm oil, soy lecithin as an emulsifier, multiple colourants (E100, E122, E1606, E160, E170) and flavourings, which are characteristic of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the high sugar and saturated fat content in m&mas minis affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The 66 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making the candy unsuitable for diabetic meal plans, while the 12 g of saturated fat may raise LDL cholesterol; however, its low salt (0.2 g) does not significantly impact hypertension, the overall product is still not recommended for these health‑restricted diets.

Is the peanut content in m&mas minis a concern for people with nut allergies?

Yes; peanuts are listed as a primary ingredient, and the product is processed in facilities that handle other allergens such as milk and soy, so it poses a clear risk for anyone with peanut, tree‑nut, milk or soy allergies.

M&M's • 176 g

m&mas minis

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

m&mas minis are bite‑size milk‑chocolate coated peanut candies produced by M&M’s, classified as a sugary snack (pnns_groups: Sugary snacks). They carry a Nutri‑Score of E (score 31) and fall into NOVA group 4, reflecting an ultra‑processed product that contains very high sugar (66 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (12 g per 100 g) while keeping salt low at 0.2 g per 100 g. The formulation includes peanuts, milk chocolate, soy lecithin, palm‑derived oils and several colour additives (E100, E122, E1606, E160, E170), making it unsuitable for vegan diets and a potential allergen risk for people with nut, milk or soy sensitivities.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal491 kcal

Fat20 g

Saturated Fat12 g

Carbohydrates70 g

Sugars66 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average sweet snack benchmarks, m&mas minis contain substantially more sugar (66 g vs 53.44 g) and saturated fat (12 g vs 6.99 g) per 100 g, while their salt level (0.2 g) is lower than the typical 0.36 g.

Ingredients

orzeszki ziemne), [PT] Chocolate de leite (72%) coberta de açúcar, Ingredientes: açúcar, pasta de cacau, leite magro em pó, manteiga de cacau, permeado de soro lácteo (leite), gordura do leite, amido, oleo de palma gordura de karité, xarope de glucose dextrina, emulsionante lecitina de soja), corantes*, sal, gente de revestimento (cara de carnaúba), óleo de palmiste, aromatizante, (Pode conter: an endoins), F100 E122 F1606 F160 E170

84%

35%

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