Why is Merenda classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is classified as NOVA 4 because it is made from industrially derived ingredients such as refined sugar, palm oil, cocoa powder, skim‑milk powder, emulsifiers like soy‑lecithin, and flavorings such as vanillin, which are not used in their natural form.

How does the sugar content in Merenda affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 63 g of sugar per 100 g, the spread can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control, while its modest salt (0.23 g) is relatively low for hypertension but the high calorie load can still affect weight management.

Is the hazelnut ingredient in Merenda a concern for people with nut allergies?

Yes, hazelnuts are a listed allergen; consumers with tree‑nut allergies should avoid Merenda as even small amounts can trigger severe allergic reactions.

Pavlidis

Merenda

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Merenda is a hazelnut‑chocolate spread marketed for breakfast and snacks, belonging to the PNNS groups “Sugary snacks” and “Sweets”. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and falls into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting its high levels of added sugar (63 g) and fat (28 g) per 100 g. While it provides modest fiber (2.6 g) and protein (3.6 g), the product’s energy density (524 kcal) and saturated‑fat content (7.7 g) make it a less suitable choice for low‑calorie or heart‑healthy diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal524 kcal

Fat28 g

Saturated Fat7.7 g

Carbohydrates64 g

Sugars63 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet‑spread profile, Merenda contains markedly more fat (28 g vs 10.5 g) and sugar (63 g vs 53.4 g), slightly higher saturated fat, but lower salt and carbohydrate levels.

84%

35%

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