Why is Ricola honey and plant candy classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The candy is labelled NOVA 4 because its formula relies on refined sugars, glucose syrup, added honey, a caramel colour (E150a), natural flavouring, essential oils of mint and peppermint, and menthol. These industrial ingredients and the presence of added sugars place it in the ultra‑processed category.

How does the high sugar content in this candy affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 74 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for diabetic meal plans, while its negligible salt means it does not directly impact blood pressure, but the overall high carbohydrate load is not recommended for tight glycaemic control.

Is Ricola honey and plant candy suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

It is not vegan because it contains honey, and it is not keto‑compatible due to its very high carbohydrate (98 g) and sugar (74 g) content. Gluten is not present in the listed ingredients, so it can be considered gluten‑free, although no certification is provided.

Ricola

Ricola miel et plantes

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Ricola honey and plant candy is a sweet confection classified under the PNNS groups "Sugary snacks" and "Sweets". It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and belongs to NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature and a very high sugar content of 74 g per 100 g, while containing virtually no fat, saturated fat, protein or fiber and negligible salt. The product also includes honey, a blend of 13 plant extracts, menthol and a caramel colour (E150a), which may be of concern for vegans and for those avoiding added sugars or artificial flavourings.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal395 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates98 g

Sugars74 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average candy, this Ricola honey‑and‑plant sweet contains markedly more sugar (74 g vs 53 g) and carbohydrates (98 g vs 70 g) and higher energy (395 kcal vs 373 kcal), while its fat, saturated fat, salt, fiber and protein are all well below typical levels.

Ingredients

Sucre, sirop de glucose, miel (5%), extrait (1%) du mélange de 13 plantes picota : plantain, guimauve, menthe, thym, sauge, alchémille, achillée, pimprenelle, mauve, fleurs de sureau, primevère, véronique et marrube ; colorant (caramel ordinaire), arôme naturel, huile essentielle de menthe, huile essentielle de menthe poivrée, menthol.

84%

35%

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