Why is Ricola Holunderblüte classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The product uses isolated sweeteners, acids, flavorings and color extracts that are manufactured separately and then mixed, which meets the NOVA 4 definition. Its listed additives are E296 (apple acid), E953 (isomalt), E960 (steviol glycosides), natural flavorings, menthol and coloring concentrates from sweet potato and carrot.

How does the carbohydrate (polyol) content of this candy affect blood sugar levels for people with diabetes?

Polyols such as isomalt have a lower glycemic impact than regular sugars, so they cause a slower rise in blood glucose. However, the candy contains 97 g of polyol carbohydrates per 100 g, and consuming large portions can still contribute noticeable calories and may affect blood sugar control.

Is Ricola Holunderblüte suitable for a vegan diet?

All ingredients are plant‑derived: the sweeteners (isomalt and steviol), herbal extracts, lemon juice concentrate, natural flavorings, coloring from sweet potato and carrot, and menthol contain no animal‑derived components, making the product compatible with a vegan diet.

Ricola • 75g

Ricola Holunderblüte

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Ricola Holunderblüte is a sugar‑free candy made with elderflower and herbal extracts, sweetened primarily with isomalt and steviol glycosides, and sold in a 75 g Swiss‑produced pack. It belongs to the "Sugary snacks" PNNS group, carries a Nutri‑Score of B and is classified as NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed confection with no added sugars, fat, salt or protein but 97 g of polyol carbohydrates per 100 g. While its lack of fat, salt and sugar may appeal to those limiting those nutrients, the high carbohydrate load and the presence of additives (E296, E953, E960) and menthol make it less suitable for low‑carb diets and could trigger sensitivities.

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 candy (53 g sugars, 10 g fat, 0.4 g salt and 373 kcal per 100 g), Ricola Holunderblüte has virtually no sugars, fat or salt and only 238 kcal, but its 97 g of polyol carbohydrates give it a higher total carb content than typical sweets.

Ingredients

Süßungsmittel (Isomalt), Säuerungsmittel (Äpfelsäure), Kräuterauszüge (0,5%) aus Holunder (Spitzwegerich*, Eibisch*, Pfefferminze*, Thymian*, Salbei*, Frauenmantel*, Holunderblüten*, Schlüsselblume*, Schaf - garbe*, Bibernelle*, Ehrenpreis*, Malve*, Andorn*), Zitronensaftkonzentrat, Süßungsmittel (Steviol - glycoside aus Stevia), natürliche Aromen, färbende Konzentrate (Süßkartoffel, Karotte), Menthol.

84%

35%

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