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

The cereal receives a NOVA 4 rating because it is made from refined wheat flours, contains added sugars, glucose syrup, caramelized sugar syrup, vegetable oil, and a suite of technological ingredients such as natural flavourings, an emulsifier (lecithins), calcium carbonate and fortified vitamins, all of which are characteristic of highly processed foods.

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

With 24.5 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for most diabetic meal plans, and although its salt is moderate (0.4 g), the overall high carbohydrate load may increase overall calorie intake, which can be problematic for blood-pressure control when combined with a high-sugar diet.

Can people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease safely eat this cereal?

No. The ingredient list includes whole-wheat flour and wheat flour, both of which contain gluten, and the product is labeled with a gluten allergen warning, so it is not safe for individuals requiring a gluten-free diet.

Nestlé, Lion • 1050 g

NESTLE LION Céréales 1,05 kg

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

NESTLE LION Cereal is a ready-to-eat breakfast cereal made from whole-wheat and wheat flours, enriched with caramel syrup, chocolate, sunflower oil, calcium carbonate and a range of added vitamins and minerals. Classified as a breakfast cereal in the PNNS Breakfast cereals group, it carries a Nutri-Score of C and a NOVA 4 rating, reflecting its high level of processing and the presence of added sugars (24.5 g per 100 g), moderate salt (0.4 g), low saturated fat (1.1 g) and 7 g of dietary fiber, while also containing gluten and possible traces of milk and nuts. Overall the product provides a notable amount of vitamins, calcium and iron but delivers a sugar load well above the category average and limited protein, making it a treat rather than a nutrient-dense option for daily consumption.

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 Fat1.1 g

Carbohydrates73.2 g

Sugars24.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, this product provides about 24.5 g of sugar per 100 g - roughly 73 % more than the category average - while its fat (around 6 g) and salt (0.4 g) are well below the typical 9 g of fat and 1.8 g of salt, and its fiber (7 g) is slightly lower than the average 8.3 g.

Ingredients

Farine de BLÉ complet 41,4 %, farine de BLÉ, sucre, sirop de glucose, huile de tournesol, chocolat 3,0 % (cacao maigre en poudre¹, sucre, pâte de cacao¹), carbonate de calcium, sel, arômes naturels, émulsifiant (lécithines), sirop de sucre caramélisé, fer, niacine, acide pantothénique, vitamine D, vitamine B6, thiamine (vit. B1), riboflavine (vit. B2), acide folique. Peut contenir du LAIT et des FRUITS À COQUE. ¹Certifié Rainforest Alliance. www.ra.org/fr. Nestlé achète une quantité de cacao certifié Rainforest Alliance équivalente à celle nécessaire pour ce produit.

84%

35%

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