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

The candy is rated NOVA 4 because its ingredients are heavily refined and include multiple additives such as synthetic colorants (E100, E133, E160a, E162, E170), a dextrin coating, palm oil, and emulsifiers like soy lecithin, all of which are characteristic of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the high sugar content in this candy affect blood glucose control for people with diabetes?

With 65 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels, making it unsuitable for tight glycemic control; diabetics should limit consumption and consider the total carbohydrate load within their daily allowance.

Is the possible presence of peanuts in M&M’s a concern for people with peanut allergy?

The ingredient list notes that peanuts may be present as a cross‑contaminant, so anyone with a peanut allergy should avoid this candy to prevent allergic reactions.

M&M's • 225g

m&m‘s

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

M&M’s candy, sold in a 225 g package, belongs to the sugary snacks and sweets categories. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as NOVA 4 ultra‑processed, reflecting high levels of added sugars (65 g per 100 g), total fat (21 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (12 g per 100 g) while protein is modest (5.5 g per 100 g) and salt is low (0.2 g per 100 g). The formulation includes several synthetic colorants (E100, E133, E160a, E162, E170) and a small amount of palm‑derived fats, which may be concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels, although the product provides a rapid source of energy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal493 kcal

Fat21 g

Saturated Fat12 g

Carbohydrates70 g

Sugars65 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average candy, this M&M’s product contains markedly more sugar (65 g vs 53.44 g), almost double the fat (21 g vs 10.52 g) and saturated fat (12 g vs 6.99 g) per 100 g, while its salt level is slightly lower.

Ingredients

Zicker, obutter kepermeat (Mich), DE CHI Schokolinsen (Milchscho Kakaomasse, Magermilchpulve Butterreinfett (Milch), Stärke, Palmfett, Sheater Glukosesirup, Dextrin, Emgator (Sojalecithin), Farbstoffe (E100, E133, E160a, E162, E170), Salz, Überzusmittel (Carnaubawachs), Palmkernöl, Aroma. (Kann enthalten: Erdnüsse). [CH] Chocolat au lait (72%) enrob de sucre fin et dragéifié. Ingrédients: sucre, pâte de caco, lait écrémé en poudre, beurre de cacao, perméat de lactosérum (lait), matière gasse du lait, amidon, matière grasse de palme, matière grasse de karité, sirop deucose, dextrine, émulsifiant (lécithine de soja), colorants (E100, E133, E160a, 162 E170) sel, agent d'enrobage (cire de carnauba), huile de palmiste, arôme. (Fat contenir cacahuètes). IT Lenti al cioccolato al latte (72%). Ingredienti: zucchero, pasta di cacao, latte scremato in polvere, burro di cacao, permeato di siero (latte), assi del latte, amido, grasso di palma, burro di karité, sciroppo di glucosio destrie emulsionante (lecitina di soia), coloranti (E100, E133, E160a, E162, E70), sale, agente di rivestimento (cera di carnauba), olio di palmisto, aroma. (Può contenere: arachidi). DE CH Milchschokolade enthält neben Kakaobutter auch andere pflanzliche Fette. [CH] Le chocolat au lait contient des matières grasses végétales en plus du beurre de cacao. Il cioccolato al latte contiene altri grassi vegetali oltre al burro ¿can fun &m ww.mms.com/minis di cacao. m INVOLUCRO IT PLASTICA Verifica le disposizioni del tuo comune per la raccolta differenziata

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.