Why is Nestlé Lion Caramelo and Chocolate classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cereal scores NOVA 4 because its ingredients undergo multiple industrial steps, including the addition of refined sugars, glucose syrup, caramel cream, and chocolate coating, and it includes additives such as emulsifier lecithin (E322), natural flavorings, and caramelised sugar syrup, all of which are typical of highly processed foods.

How does the high sugar and moderate salt content in this cereal affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 28.8 g of sugars and 0.49 g of salt per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and increase sodium intake, which may worsen blood‑sugar control in diabetics and raise blood‑pressure risk in hypertensive individuals, so it should be limited or paired with lower‑sugar foods.

Is this cereal suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or low‑carb/keto diets?

No; the product contains milk (in the caramel cream) and gluten (from wheat) which disqualify it for vegan and gluten‑free diets, and its high carbohydrate (73.2 g) and sugar levels make it unsuitable for low‑carb or keto eating plans.

Lion • 400 g

Nestle lion caramelo and chocolate

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Nestlé Lion Caramelo and Chocolate is a plant‑based breakfast cereal that contains whole‑wheat and wheat flour, caramel cream, sunflower oil and chocolate pieces. It delivers 5.3 g of fiber and 8.1 g of protein per 100 g and is free from artificial flavors, colors and palm oil, but it also contains 28.8 g of sugars, 0.49 g of salt and allergens such as gluten and milk. With a Nutri‑Score of D and a NOVA 4 classification, it can be part of a breakfast routine if eaten in moderation.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal406 kcal

Fat7.4 g

Saturated Fat1.3 g

Carbohydrates73.2 g

Sugars28.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, this product has roughly double the sugar content while providing slightly less total fat, lower saturated fat and salt, but also lower fiber and protein levels.

Ingredients

Cereales (64,3%) [_trigo_ integral (41,3%), harina de _trigo_ (23%)], azúcar, jarabe de glucosa, crema de caramelo (6,3%) [_leche_ condensada (3,2%) (_leche_, azúcar), azúcar, jarabe de glucosa, jarabe de azúcar caramelizado, sal], aceite de girasol, chocolate (4,2%) [azúcar, cacao en polvo (1,5%), cacao (0,8%), cacao desgrasado en polvo (0,2%)], vitaminas y minerales (vitamina D, tiamina, riboflavina, niacina, vitamina B6, ácido fólico, ácido pantoténico, carbonato cálcico, hierro), sal, aromas naturales, emulgente (lecitina de girasol), jarabe de azúcar caramelizado.

84%

35%

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