Why is Flan classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additive does it contain?

Because it is a multi-ingredient, industrially formulated dessert mix that includes added sugars, cocoa powder, corn starch, flavorings and a food-grade gelling agent, it falls into the NOVA 4 category; the only listed additive is carrageenan (E 407), used to give the custard its set.

How does the high sugar content in this Flan mix affect people with diabetes or those monitoring blood sugar?

With about 52 g of sugar per 100 g, the mix can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, so individuals with diabetes or on low-sugar diets should limit or avoid it to maintain stable blood-sugar levels.

Is this Flan mix suitable for vegan, gluten-free, keto or halal diets based on its ingredients?

The product is halal-certified and contains only plant-derived cocoa powder, corn starch and carrageenan, making it gluten-free and keto-friendly in small portions, but the refined sugar may be processed with animal-derived bone char, so it is not considered vegan.

idéal • 65 g

Flan

Cooking Helpers

Product Insights

Flan is a 65 g halal-certified instant flan preparation marketed under the Ideal brand, belonging to the Sweets and desserts PNNS group. It is an ultra-processed (NOVA 4) blend of sugar, cocoa powder, corn starch, carrageenan and chocolate flavoring, offering a convenient, ready-to-cook dessert with low fat, low saturated fat, and moderate salt. However, the mix is very high in sugar, lacks a disclosed Nutri-Score, and contains the additive carrageenan (E 407), which may be a concern for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal384 kcal

Fat2.2 g

Saturated Fat1.3 g

Carbohydrates83.6 g

Sugars73.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average dessert mix (about 26.6 g sugar, 0.75 g fat and 0.39 g salt per 100 g), this flan mix supplies roughly 52 g of sugar per 100 g - almost twice the average - while its fat (about 0.3 g) and salt (about 0.3 g) are at or below typical levels.

Ingredients

Sucre, poudre de cacao, amidon de maïs, gélifiant: carraghenane, arôme chocolat. INGREDIENTS : Sugar, cocoa powder, corn starch, gelling agent: carrageenan, chocolate flavoring. INGREDIENTES: Azúcar, polvo de cacao, almidón de maís, gelifecante : carraghennane, chocolate aroma. INGREDIËNTEN : Suiker, cacao poeder, verdikkingsmiddel, maïs zetmeel, chocolade smaakstoffen. ZUTATEN : Zucker, Kakaopulver, Maisstärke, Geliermittel: Carrageenan, Schokoladenaroma Informacion nutricional/

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