Why is Pepito - Dark Chocolate classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

It is rated NOVA 4 because it is made from refined wheat flour, added sugars, cocoa, and several industrial ingredients such as emulsifiers (soy lecithin, E471), an acidity regulator (E341), and raising agents (E500, E503), all of which are typical of ultra-processed foods.

How does the high sugar (27 g) and saturated fat (12 g) content affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

27 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes, making the biscuit unsuitable for tight diabetic control, while 12 g of saturated fat may raise LDL cholesterol; the modest salt amount (0.68 g) is lower than average but still contributes to overall sodium intake, so it is generally not recommended for regular consumption by diabetic or hypertensive individuals.

Is the lactose in this biscuit a concern for lactose-intolerant consumers?

Yes, the ingredient list includes lactose and whey powder, both derived from milk, so people with lactose intolerance may experience digestive symptoms and should avoid this product.

Lu, Mondelez International • 192 g (20 biscuits)

Pépito - Chocolat noir

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Pepito - Dark Chocolate are dark-chocolate-coated biscuits that belong to the PNNS groups 'Sugary snacks' and 'Biscuits and cakes', offering a crunchy sweet snack. The product receives a Nutri-Score of E and is classified as NOVA 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature with added sugars, emulsifiers and acidity regulators. Nutritionally it provides 27 g of sugar and 12 g of saturated fat per 100 g, which are high, while also delivering 4.3 g of fiber and a modest 0.68 g of salt, and it contains allergens such as gluten, milk and soy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal487 kcal

Fat22 g

Saturated Fat12 g

Carbohydrates63 g

Sugars27 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack, its sugar content of 27 g per 100 g is slightly below the category average of 28.98 g, its saturated fat of 12 g per 100 g exceeds the average of 7.8 g, and its salt level of 0.68 g per 100 g is well under the average of 1.98 g.

Ingredients

Farine de blé 51 %, chocolat noir 27 % [sucre, pâte de cacao, beurre de cacao, huiles végétales (palme et karité en proportions variables), lactose (de lait), beurre pâtissier, émulsifiants (lécithine de soja, E471)], sucre, huiles végétales (palme et noix de coco), lactosérum en poudre (de lait), noix de coco, sirop de glucose-fructose, poudre à lever (carbonate acide d'ammonium, carbonate acide de sodium), sel, arômes, correcteur d'acidité (orthophosphate monocalcique).

84%

35%

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