Why is Citron Melisse classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is classified as NOVA 4 because it is manufactured from multiple industrial ingredients and contains several food additives, including the sweeteners isomalt (E953), stevia glycosides (E960a) and thaumatine (E957), the acidifier citric acid (E330), natural citrus flavoring, carrot-derived colour extract, essential oil of peppermint, menthol and a proprietary blend of lemon balm and 13 herbal extracts.

How does the virtually sugar-free and salt-free profile of this candy affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With zero grams of sugar and salt per 100 g, the product does not raise blood glucose or sodium intake, which is advantageous for diabetes and hypertension management, although the presence of sugar alcohols and intense sweeteners may cause mild gastrointestinal effects in some individuals.

Is the natural citrus flavoring in Citron Melisse safe for people with citrus allergies?

The natural citrus flavoring is derived from citrus fruits and can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to citrus, so people with known citrus allergies should avoid this candy.

Ricola • 52.5 g

Citron Mélisse

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Citron Melisse by Ricola is a sugar-free Swiss herbal confection that belongs to the 'Sugary snacks' PNNS group. It carries a Nutri-Score of B and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting an ultra-processed candy that is low in sugars, fat, saturated fat and salt, while using sweeteners such as isomalt, stevia glycosides and thaumatine together with lemon balm and a 13-herb extract and natural citrus flavor. Although it offers a low-calorie, sugar-free profile and vegan-friendly sweeteners, it contains several additives, including citric acid, carrot colour, essential oils and flavorings, making its processing level a drawback for those preferring minimally processed foods.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal238 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates97 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, which contains about 53 g of sugar, 10.5 g of fat and 0.36 g of salt per 100 g, this candy provides essentially zero sugar, negligible fat and salt, making it markedly lower in those nutrients.

Ingredients

Edulcorant (isomalt), acidifiant (acide citrique), extrait (0,3%) de mélisse citronnelle et du mélange de 13 plantes Ricola, arôme naturel d'agrumes, extrait-couleur de carotte, édulcorants (glycosides de stéviol issus de Stévia, thaumatine), huiles essentielles de menthe poivrée et menthe, menthol.

84%

35%

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