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

Merenda is deemed ultra‑processed because its formulation relies on refined ingredients such as cane sugar, cottonseed oil, milk powder and cocoa powder, and it includes an emulsifier (soy lecithin). Although no listed additive numbers appear, the use of these highly processed components places the product in NOVA group 4.

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

With 63 g of sugar per 100 g, Merenda can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for people managing diabetes. The high sugar and calorie load also contributes to overall cardiovascular risk, which is a concern for individuals with hypertension despite the relatively low salt level.

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

Yes. Merenda contains hazelnut paste and the label warns that it may also contain peanuts, other tree nuts and wheat, so anyone with nut allergies should avoid this spread.

Merenda • 360g

Merenda

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Merenda is a 360 g jar of hazelnut‑chocolate spread marketed for breakfast or as a sweet topping. It belongs to the Sugary snacks and Sweets dietary groups and delivers per 100 g: 525 kcal, 28 g fat (7.7 g saturated), 63 g sugars, 3.6 g protein, 2.6 g fiber and only 0.23 g salt. The product receives a Nutri‑Score of E and falls in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature and high sugar and fat content, which may be unsuitable for low‑sugar or low‑fat dietary plans.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal525 kcal

Fat28 g

Saturated Fat7.7 g

Carbohydrates64 g

Sugars63 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average breakfast spreads, this hazelnut‑chocolate spread contains markedly more sugar (63 g vs 53.4 g), fat (28 g vs 10.5 g) and calories (525 kcal vs 373 kcal) per 100 g, while its salt level is lower.

Ingredients

Πραλίνα φουντουκιού με λ κακάο και αποβουτυρωμένο γάλα, Συστατικά: Ζάχαρη, βαμβακέλαιο, ορός γάλακτος σε σκόνη, αποβουτυρωμένο κακάο σε σκόνη (6,5%) , φουντουκόπαστα (4%), φυτικό λιπαρό (καριτέ, καρύδας) , αποβουτυρωμένο γάλα σε σκόνη (1%) , γαλακτωματοποιητής (λεκιθίνες σόγιας), αλάτι, αρματα , Το κακάο Προέρχεται από χρα εκτός Ε,Ε, Μπορεί να περιέχει φιστίκι, άλλους ξηρούς καρπούς και σιτάρι.

84%

35%

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