Why is Pastille orange menthe classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is considered ultra‑processed because its formulation relies on industrial ingredients such as the polyol sweetener isomalt, acidifiers (citric and malic acid), concentrated lemon juice, natural flavorings and a blend of essential oils, plus five listed food additives – citric acid (E330), malic acid (E296), isomalt (E953), thaumatin (E957) and stevia glycosides (E960a).

How does the sugar and polyol content in this product affect a diabetic or gastrointestinal‑sensitive diet?

The lozenge contains no added sugar, which is favorable for blood‑glucose control, but the very high polyol level (96 g per 100 g) can be fermented in the gut, potentially causing gas, bloating or laxative effects, so people with IBS or sensitive digestion should limit intake.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

All listed components are plant‑derived and contain no animal products or gluten, so it is compatible with vegan and gluten‑free diets; however, the high carbohydrate (polyol) content makes it unsuitable for strict ketogenic diets.

Ricolas • 52,5 grammes

Pastille orange menthe

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Pastille orange menthe is a sugar‑free lozenge from the Ricolas brand, classified under the ‘Sugary snacks’ and ‘Sweets’ groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and belongs to the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting its composition of polyol sweetener (isomalt), several acidifiers, natural extracts and five food additives (E330, E296, E953, E957, E960a). While it contains no fat, saturated fat or added sugar and only a trace of salt, its high polyol level (96 g per 100 g) contributes significant calories and may cause laxative effects when consumed in excess.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal237 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates96 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, this lozenge has virtually no sugar, zero fat and only 0.03 g of salt per 100 g, and its energy (237 kcal) is well below the typical 373 kcal.

Ingredients

Édulcorant (isomalt), acidifiants (acide citrique, acide malique), concentré de jus de citron, extraits (0,5%) d'orange-menthe, de mélisse et du mélange de 13 plantes Ricola, arômes naturels d'orange, extrait-couleur d'huile de paprika, édulcorants (glycosides de stéviol issus de Stevia, thaumatine), arôme naturel d'agrumes, menthol, huile essentielle de menthe poivrée, huile essentielle de menthe, sel. Une consommation excessive peut avoir des effets laxatifs.

84%

35%

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