Why is Original Kräuter classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The candy is made from refined sweeteners, isolated herbal extracts, colourants and flavor oils that are individually processed and then combined, which meets the NOVA 4 criteria for ultra‑processed foods; its label lists the additives E150a (caramel colour), E953 (isomalt) and E960a (stevia glycosides) among others.

How does the polyol (sugar‑alcohol) content in Original Kräuter affect blood sugar and digestive health for diabetics or people sensitive to sugar alcohols?

Polyols such as isomalt have a low glycemic index, so they cause only a modest rise in blood glucose, making the candy a better option for diabetics than regular sugar, but large amounts can lead to bloating, gas or diarrhoea in individuals who are sensitive to sugar alcohols.

Is Original Kräuter suitable for vegan, gluten‑free and lactose‑free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are plant‑derived, the product contains no wheat or gluten sources, and it does not include any dairy or lactose, so it complies with vegan, gluten‑free and lactose‑free dietary requirements.

Ricola • 75g

Original Kräuter

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Original Kräuter is a Ricola hard candy that belongs to the ‘Sugary snacks’ group of sweet foods. It is vegan, gluten‑free and lactose‑free, contains no added sugar, fat or salt, and provides about 236 kcal per 100 g, but it is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and includes additives such as E150a colour, E953 isomalt and stevia extract, while offering virtually no protein, fibre or vitamins. As a sugar‑free confectionery it delivers a sweet herbal flavor with a high polyol (98 g carbs) load, making it low in traditional sugars but limited in nutritional value.

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

Carbohydrates98 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack (53 g sugar, 10.5 g fat, 0.36 g salt, 373 kcal and 70 g carbohydrates per 100 g), this candy has zero sugar, fat and salt, lower energy, but a higher carbohydrate content (98 g, mainly polyols) and provides no protein or fibre.

Ingredients

Süßungsmittel (Isomalt), Kräuterauszug (1%) aus der 13-Kräutermischung (Spitzwegerich, Eibisch*, Pfefferminze*, Thymian*, Salbei*, Frauen - mantel*, Holunderblüten*, Schlüsselblume*, Schaf garbe*, Bibernelle*, Ehrenpreis*, Malve*, Andorn*), Farbstoff (Zuckerkulör), Süßungsmittel (Steviolglycoside aus Stevia), Pfefferminzöl, Minzöl, Menthol,

84%

35%

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