Why is Principe Maxi Choc classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

NOVA 4 designates foods that contain industrial formulations with additives; Principe Maxi Choc includes emulsifiers (E322, soy lecithin), raising agents (E500ii sodium hydrogen carbonate, E503i ammonium carbonate) and other processed ingredients such as partially hydrogenated vegetable fat, which all contribute to its ultra‑processed status.

How does the high sugar and saturated fat content in Principe Maxi Choc affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 37 g of sugar and 12 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the biscuit can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and increase LDL cholesterol, making it unsuitable for regular consumption by people managing diabetes or high blood pressure; occasional small portions are the only safe option.

Is the palm oil used in this product a concern for sustainability and health?

The biscuit contains palm kernel oil and palm oil, ingredients linked to deforestation and biodiversity loss; from a health perspective, they add saturated fat, contributing to the product's high saturated‑fat level, so consumers seeking sustainable or lower‑saturated‑fat options may prefer alternatives.

Principe • 250 g

Principe Maxi Choc

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

The product is a chocolate-filled biscuit snack marketed under the Principe brand, belonging to the sugary snacks and biscuits-and-cakes groups. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature with added sugars, partially hydrogenated fats and several food additives. While it provides 3.5 g of fiber per 100 g and modest protein, its high levels of sugar (37 g), total fat (24 g, saturated 12 g) and calories (≈505 kcal) make it a calorie-dense treat that should be consumed sparingly.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal493 kcal

Fat24 g

Saturated Fat12 g

Carbohydrates65 g

Sugars37 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, Principe Maxi Choc delivers about 37 g of sugar (vs 28.98 g), 24 g of fat (vs 17.65 g), 12 g of saturated fat (vs 7.8 g) and roughly 505 kcal (vs 418 kcal) per 100 g, while its salt content of 0.4 g is lower than the typical 1.98 g.

Ingredients

wheat flour 35%, sugar, vegetable fats (palm kernel, partially hydrogenated, palm), cocoa powder defatted or 6,7%, wheat starch, glucose syrup, protein, lactose and milk, salt, gazéifiants (sodium hydrogen carbonate, ammonium carbonate), skimmed milk powder, emulsifier (soya lecithin), flavouring, may contain eggs,

84%

35%

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