Why is Ovomaltine Cereal Energy classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labeled NOVA 4 because its formulation consists mainly of industrially processed components such as malted barley extract, concentrated skimmed milk, concentrated whey, reduced-fat cocoa powder, refined sugar and fructose, plus added mineral salts, rapeseed oil, a blend of vitamins and a vanilla-type flavoring, which are typical of ultra-processed foods.

How does the high sugar and salt content of Ovomaltine Cereal Energy affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The 51 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for diabetic meal plans, while the 0.48 g of salt per 100 g adds to sodium intake that may raise blood pressure, so it should be consumed only occasionally by those with hypertension.

Is Ovomaltine Cereal Energy suitable for a gluten-free or vegan diet?

No, it contains barley malt extract, which provides gluten, and both skimmed milk and whey, which provide dairy, so it is neither gluten-free nor vegan.

Ovomaltine • 350 g

Ovomaltine Céréal Energy

Beverages And Beverages Preparations

Product Insights

Ovomaltine Cereal Energy is an instant malted cocoa powder intended to be reconstituted with semi-skimmed milk and is classified in the beverage group of the French PNNS nutrition program. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and is placed in NOVA 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature and a very high sugar content of about 51 g per 100 g together with moderate salt and low saturated fat. While it supplies 9.5 g of protein and a range of added vitamins and minerals, the overall profile is dominated by added sugars, making it more of an occasional energy drink than a daily nutrient source.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal376 kcal

Fat1.9 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates78 g

Sugars51.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for typical instant cocoa beverages, Ovomaltine Cereal Energy contains about five times more sugar (51 g vs 9.7 g per 100 g), nearly double the salt (0.48 g vs 0.26 g per 100 g), but offers roughly seven times more protein (9.5 g vs 1.38 g per 100 g).

Ingredients

Extrait de malt d'ORGE 51%, LAIT écrémé concentré, lactosérum concentré (LAIT), cacao maigre en poudre¹ 13%, sucre, fructose, minéraux (carbonate de magnésium, phosphate de calcium), huile de colza, vitamines (E, C, thiamine: B1, riboflavine: B2, niacine PP, B6, acide folique: B9, B12, biotine: B8, acide pantothénique: B5) sel, arôme (vanilline)

84%

35%

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