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

The product is made from refined wheat flour, multiple sweeteners, and a filled cream that requires several processing steps, which places it in NOVA group 4. It includes three listed additives: soy lecithin (E322) as an emulsifier, diphosphates (E450) as a leavening aid, and sodium carbonates (E500) as a raising agent.

How does the high sugar and fat content of this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 33.4 g of sugars per 100 g, the wafer can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control. The total fat of 28.5 g, largely saturated, may raise LDL cholesterol, while the modest salt level (0.3 g) is less concerning for blood pressure but the overall high energy density can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively.

Is this wafer suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or nut‑free diets?

No. The product contains wheat flour (gluten) and milk powder, so it is neither vegan nor gluten‑free. It also lists hazelnuts as an ingredient, making it unsuitable for nut‑free diets, although the soy lecithin used as an emulsifier is plant‑based.

Balconi • 225g (5x45g)

Wafers Vanilla 5 x (225g)

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Wafers Vanilla 5 x (225 g) are Italian-made stuffed vanilla wafers marketed as a sweet snack. They belong to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups, carry a Nutri-Score of E, and are classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra-processed product. With 33.4 g of sugars, 28.5 g of total fat (25.8 g saturated) per 100 g, the snack is high in energy and contains allergens such as gluten, milk, soy and hazelnuts, while offering 4.97 g of fiber and a relatively low salt level.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal539 kcal

Fat28.5 g

Saturated Fat25.8 g

Carbohydrates65 g

Sugars33.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack, this wafer contains considerably more sugar (33.4 g vs 28.98 g), total fat (28.5 g vs 17.65 g) and saturated fat (25.8 g vs 7.8 g), while its salt (0.3 g) is well below the category average of 1.98 g.

Ingredients

Huile de coco, farine de blé (21%), sucre, sirop de glucose, cacao maigre en poudre (12%) dans le fourrage. Dextrose, lait écrémé en poudre, lactosérum en poudre, extrait de malt d'orge, émulsifiant : lécithine de soja, poudres à lever, carbonates de sodium, diphosphates, sel, gousses de vanille, arôme naturel de vanille, noisettes.

84%

35%

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