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

The product is considered ultra-processed because it is made from refined sweeteners and a blend of numerous industrial ingredients, including isomalt (E953), sorbitol (E420), caramel colour (E150a), ammonium chloride (E510), hydrogenated vegetable fat, soy-derived lecithin (E322) and stevia glycosides (E960), each of which is added to achieve texture, flavor and preservation.

How does the sugar and salt content in Ricola licorice affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 0 g of sugars and only 0.04 g of salt per 100 g, the candy provides a negligible impact on blood-glucose spikes for diabetics and adds minimal sodium for those monitoring blood pressure, making it a relatively safe occasional treat in those dietary contexts.

Is the soy lecithin in Ricola licorice a concern for people with soy allergy or for sustainability?

Soy lecithin is derived from soybean oil and is listed as a soy allergen, so individuals with a confirmed soy allergy should avoid the product; from a sustainability perspective, soy production can be associated with deforestation, but the amount used in the candy is very small and the overall environmental impact is limited.

Ricola • 50 g

Ricola réglisse

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

The Ricola licorice candy is a sugar-free sweet classified in the PNNS Sugary snacks group. It carries a Nutri-Score of B and falls in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category, containing several food-grade additives such as isomalt (E953), sorbitol (E420), caramel colour (E150a), soy lecithin (E322) and stevia glycosides (E960). While it offers virtually no sugars, low fat and salt, and includes natural licorice extract and a 13-plant mix, it also contains hydrogenated vegetable fat, soy allergens and multiple synthetic additives, which may be a concern for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal240 kcal

Fat0.5 g

Saturated Fat0.4 g

Carbohydrates97 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, the Ricola licorice candy contains zero sugars (vs 53.45 g), only 0.4 g saturated fat (vs 6.99 g), 0.04 g salt (vs 0.36 g) and about 1 MJ of energy (about 240 kcal vs 373 kcal), making it markedly lower in these nutrients.

Ingredients

Isomalt, extrait (2,1 %) de réglisse, sorbitol, extrait (0,5 %) du mélange de 13 plantes Ricola, graisse végétale hydrogénée (coco), chlorure d'ammonium, colorant (caramel ordinaire), édulcorant (glycosides de stéviol), arôme naturel d'anis étoilé, émulsifiant (lécithines (_soja_)), menthol, arôme naturel de menthes,

84%

35%

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