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

The candy is made from refined sweeteners, multiple extracts and processed flavourings, placing it in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 group; it lists five food additives: E953 (isomalt), E330 (citric acid), E296 (malic acid), E960a (stevia glycosides) and E957 (thaumatin).

How does the low-sugar, low-salt profile of this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With virtually no sugars and only 0.03 g of salt per 100 g, the candy adds negligible carbohydrate and sodium load, making it generally safe for diabetic and hypertensive individuals when consumed in moderation, though the sugar-alcohol isomalt may cause digestive discomfort in large amounts.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like vegan, keto, halal, or gluten-free?

All ingredients are plant-derived and contain no animal or gluten sources, and the sweeteners have very low net carbs, so the product is suitable for vegan, keto, halal and gluten-free diets.

Ricola • 50 g

Orange Menthe

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Ricola Orange Mint is a 50 g pack of sugar-free candy that belongs to the PNNS group 'Sugary snacks', carries a Nutri-Score of B and is classified in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category, offering low fat, low salt and zero sugars thanks to sweeteners such as isomalt, stevia glycosides and thaumatin. The product contains five regulated food additives (E953, E330, E296, E960a, E957) and a paprika-oil colour, which may be a concern for consumers seeking minimally-processed foods. Its environmental profile is strong, with an Eco-Score of A+, FSC-certified cardboard sleeve and a small recyclable plastic film, although the plastic component is not fully biodegradable.

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

Carbohydrates96 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack (53.44 g sugars, 10.52 g fat, 0.36 g salt per 100 g), this product contains virtually no sugars, minimal fat, only 0.03 g salt and provides about 236 kcal (989 kJ) instead of 373 kcal.

Ingredients

Édulcorant (isomalt), acidifiants (acide citrique, acide malique), concentré de jus de citron, extraits (0,5%) d'orange-menthe, de mélisse et du mélange de 13 plantes Ricola, arômes naturels d'orange, extrait-couleur d'huile de paprika, édulcorants (glycosides de stéviol issus de Stevia, thaumatine), arôme naturel d'agrumes, menthol, huile essentielle de menthe poivrée, huile essentielle de menthe, sel.

84%

35%

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