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

The product combines refined wheat flour, added sugars, butter, egg yolk, natural sourdough and multiple processing steps such as mixing, baking and the inclusion of emulsifiers, which places it in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category. The label lists two food additives: citric acid (E330) used as an acidity regulator and mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) used as an emulsifier.

How does the sugar and salt content in Il panettone affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 21 g of sugar per 100 g, the panettone can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control unless consumed in very small portions. Its salt level (0.43 g/100 g) is lower than the average sweet snack but still contributes to daily sodium intake, so hypertensive individuals should monitor portion size and consider it an occasional treat.

Is the egg yolk used in Il panettone a concern for people with egg allergy?

Yes. The ingredient list includes fresh egg yolk, which is a recognized allergen. People who are allergic to eggs should avoid this panettone, as even small amounts can trigger allergic reactions.

Balocco • 750 g

Il panettone

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Il panettone is an Italian sweet pastry that falls under the 'Sugary snacks' and 'Pastries' categories in the PNNS classification. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and is placed in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature, with high sugar (21 g/100 g) and saturated fat (7.9 g/100 g) levels, while its salt content is moderate (0.43 g/100 g). The product does provide some fruit content (about 22 % from sultanas and candied orange), a modest protein amount (7.4 g/100 g), but it also contains common allergens (egg, milk, wheat, butter) and the additives citric acid (E330) and mono- and diglycerides (E471).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal358 kcal

Fat14 g

Saturated Fat7.9 g

Carbohydrates49 g

Sugars21 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, this panettone contains more sugar (21 g vs 16.6 g) but less total fat (14 g vs 17.3 g), saturated fat (7.9 g vs 8.8 g) and salt (0.43 g vs 1.94 g).

Ingredients

Farina di _frumento_, uva sultanina 15,4%, scorze d'arancia candite 12% (scorze d'arancia, sciroppo di glucosio, fruttosio, zucchero, correttore di acidità: acido citrico), _burro_, tuorlo d'_uova_ fresche 7,8%, lievito madre naturale 7,7% (farina di _frumento_, acqua), zucchero, _latte_ fresco pastorizzato alta qualità 4%, emulsionanti: mono e digliceridi degli acidi grassi, sale, aromi naturali. Può contenere frutta a guscio, _soia_ e _senape_.

84%

35%

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