Why is Choco sticks classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Choco sticks are labelled NOVA 4 because they are made from refined wheat flour, added sugars, palm oil, cocoa fats and a range of industrial ingredients, including emulsifiers (soy lecithin, E476), raising agents (E500, E503, E450) and other additives; these processing steps and additive list place the product in the ultra-processed category.

How does the high sugar and saturated-fat content in Choco sticks affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The 35 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood glucose spikes, making the snack unsuitable for tight diabetic control, while the 13 g of saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol; although salt is relatively low, the combination of high sugar and saturated fat still poses cardiovascular risks for people with hypertension.

Is the palm oil used in Choco sticks a concern for environmental sustainability?

Palm oil is derived from tropical oil palms and its cultivation is linked to deforestation and loss of biodiversity, so its presence reduces the product's sustainability profile; consumers seeking environmentally friendly options may prefer snacks that use certified sustainable oils or alternative fats.

Milka, Mondelez • 112g

Choco sticks

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Choco sticks are chocolate-coated wafer sticks marketed under the Milka brand, falling within the PNNS categories of Sugary snacks and Biscuits & cakes. They carry a Nutri-Score of E and are classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), reflecting their high sugar (35 g per 100 g), high saturated fat (13 g per 100 g) and relatively high energy (around 505 kcal per 100 g), while offering modest fiber (2.6 g) and lower salt (0.47 g) than the average snack. The product also contains several additives (E450, E476, E500, E503), palm oil, gluten, milk and soy, which may be concerns for health-conscious or allergen-sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal505 kcal

Fat24 g

Saturated Fat13 g

Carbohydrates63 g

Sugars35 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack (28.98 g sugar, 17.65 g fat, 7.8 g saturated fat, 1.98 g salt per 100 g), Choco sticks contain more sugar (35 g), more saturated fat (13 g) and higher energy (around 505 kcal vs 418 kcal), but less salt (0.47 g) and slightly less fiber (2.6 g vs 3.07 g).

Ingredients

Mąka PSZENNA, cukier, olej palmowy, tłuszcz kakaowy, miazga kakaowa, odtłuszczone MLEKO w proszku, serwatka w proszku (z MLEKA), tłuszcz MLECZNY, syrop glukozowy, emulgatory (lecytyny SOJOWE, E476), sól, substancje spulchniające (węglany sodu, węglany amonu, difosforany), aromat. MOŻE ZAWIERAĆ JAJA.

84%

35%

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