Why is Ricola Raspberry Lemon Balm candy classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The candy undergoes multiple industrial steps, using refined sugar substitutes, acidifiers, flavorings and colorants; its listed additives include isomalt (E953), citric acid (E330), malic acid (E296), stevia glycosides (E960a), natural flavorings, sweet potato and carrot color concentrates, peppermint and spearmint essential oils, and menthol.

How does the sugar-free sweetener isomalt affect digestive health if the candy is eaten in large amounts?

Isomalt is a low-glycemic sugar alcohol that is poorly absorbed in the intestines, so consuming it in excess can draw water into the gut and lead to a laxative or diarrhoea effect, which is why the label warns that excessive consumption may have laxative effects.

Is this Ricola candy suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients listed are plant-derived and contain no animal products or wheat-based components, making the candy both vegan-friendly and gluten-free.

Ricola • 50 g

50G RICOLA FRAMBOISE MELISSE

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Ricola Raspberry Lemon Balm 50 g is a sugar-free hard candy that falls under the 'Sugary snacks' category of the PNNS classification. It carries a Nutri-Score of B and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra-processed product with several industrial additives such as isomalt (E953), citric and malic acids (E330, E296), stevia glycosides (E960a), natural flavorings, color concentrates and essential oils. While the candy contains virtually no sugar, fat or salt, the high proportion of sugar substitutes can cause laxative effects if consumed excessively, which balances its low-calorie appeal with a potential digestive drawback.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal239 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates98 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, which typically contains about 53 g of sugar, 10 g of fat and 0.36 g of salt per 100 g, this Ricola candy has virtually no sugar, negligible fat and no salt, making its sugar and salt levels dramatically lower than the category norm.

Ingredients

Édulcorant (isomalt), acidifiants (acide citrique, acide malique), concentré de jus de framboise (0,6%), extrait (0,5%) de mélisse citronnelle et du mélange de 13 plantes Ricola, arômes naturels, concentrés-couleur (patate douce, carotte), édulcorant (glycosides de stéviol issus de Stevia), huile essentielle de menthe poivrée, huile essentielle de menthe, menthol.

84%

35%

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