Why is Biscotti di grano saraceno classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is made from refined wheat flour, added sugars, sunflower oil and cocoa ingredients, and it includes several food-additive components such as lecithins (E322) as an emulsifier, ammonium hydrogen carbonate (E503 ii) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (E500 ii) as raising agents, plus a flavoring compound; the combination of refined ingredients, added fats, sugars and multiple additives places it in the NOVA 4 ultra-processed category.

How does the sugar and salt content in these biscuits affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 24 g of sugar per 100 g, the biscuits can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes, making them unsuitable as a regular choice for people managing diabetes; the 0.69 g of salt per 100 g is moderate and lower than many snack biscuits, but it still contributes to daily sodium intake and should be limited for hypertension when combined with other salty foods.

Is the soy lecithin used in Biscotti di grano saraceno a concern for consumers with soy allergy?

Yes, the emulsifier listed as lecithins (E322) is derived from soybeans, and although it contains only trace protein, it can trigger reactions in individuals with soy allergy, so those consumers should avoid the product or consult a healthcare professional.

Balocco • 700 g

Biscotti di grano saraceno

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Biscotti di grano saraceno are sweet baked biscuits classified in the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups. They provide a notable fiber content (4.4 g/100 g) and are palm-oil-free, but they are a NOVA 4 ultra-processed product with a Nutri-Score of D, reflecting high added sugars (24 g/100 g) and moderate salt (0.69 g/100 g). The formulation also includes common allergens such as wheat, milk, soy lecithin and traces of nuts, making them unsuitable for those with those sensitivities.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal472 kcal

Fat20 g

Saturated Fat4.7 g

Carbohydrates64 g

Sugars24 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack biscuit (about 28.9 g sugar, 17.6 g fat, 7.8 g saturated fat, 1.98 g salt and 418 kcal per 100 g), this product delivers lower sugar (24 g), lower salt (0.69 g) and saturated fat (4.7 g) but higher calories (about 474 kcal) and higher fiber (4.4 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

wheat flour 46,3%, dark chocolate chips 12,4% [sugar - cocoa mass - low-fat cocoa in polvère - cocoa butter - emulsifier: lecithins (soy)] - sunflower oil - sugar - brown sugar - oat flake flour 7% buckwheat whole wheat flour 5,7% - butter - pasteurized fresh whole milk 1,7% - fine wheat bran 1,5% - fresh eggs raising agents (ammonium hydrogen carbonate - sodium hydrogen carbonate), barley malt extract - salt - flavoring, * from free-range hens, may contain nuts and peanuts, highlighted ingredients can provoke reactions in allergic or intolerant subjects,,

84%

35%

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