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

Oreo includes refined flour, multiple added sugars, palm and canola oils, cocoa processed with alkali, and additives such as baking soda (E500ii) and soy lecithin (E322), all of which are typical components of ultra‑processed foods, leading to its NOVA 4 classification.

How does the high sugar and moderate salt content of Oreo affect people with diabetes or high blood pressure?

The 38 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making Oreo unsuitable for tight diabetic control, while the 0.73 g of salt adds to daily sodium intake and may exacerbate hypertension if the product is eaten frequently.

Is the soy lecithin in Oreo a concern for consumers with soy allergy?

Yes, soy lecithin is derived from soybeans and is listed as an allergen; individuals with a soy allergy should avoid Oreo despite the small amount used as an emulsifier.

Oreo, Mondelēz • 176 g

Oreo

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Oreo is a sweet snack belonging to the "Sugary snacks" category of the PNNS classification, presented as chocolate sandwich cookies. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature with added sugars (38 g/100 g), added fats (20 g total, 5.4 g saturated) and a moderate salt level (0.73 g), while providing 2.7 g fiber and 5.3 g protein per 100 g. The product is labeled vegetarian but contains gluten and soy allergens and includes palm oil, which raises sustainability concerns.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal476 kcal

Fat20 g

Saturated Fat5.4 g

Carbohydrates68 g

Sugars38 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack in its category, this Oreo contains more sugar (38 g vs 28.98 g) and more total fat (20 g vs 17.65 g), but its salt (0.73 g) and saturated fat (5.4 g) are lower than the category averages of 1.98 g and 7.8 g respectively.

Ingredients

UNBLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE (VITAMIN B1), RIBOFLAVIN {VITAMIN B2), FOLIC ACID), SUGAR, PALM AND/OR CANOLA OIL, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), DEXTROSE, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, BAKING SODA, CORNSTARCH, SALT, SOY LECITHIN, CHOCOLATE, VANILLIN-AN ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR. CONTAINS: WHEAT, SOY.

84%

35%

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