Why is Mentos Chewing Gum Mint classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The NOVA 4 rating is given because the gum is made from refined sweeteners and includes many industrial additives. It contains polyol sweeteners (xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol syrup), artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame‑K, sucralose), a stabiliser (glycerol), emulsifiers (soy lecithin, sucrose‑esters of fatty acids), thickeners (cellulose gum, arabic gum), an antioxidant (E321) and a glazing agent (carnauba wax), among a total of 13 listed additives.

How does the sugar‑free and polyol composition of this gum affect a diabetic diet?

The gum contains 0 g sugar, so it does not raise blood glucose directly, and the polyols (mainly xylitol and sorbitol) are absorbed slowly and have a minimal impact on blood sugar. Nevertheless, high intakes of polyols can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and still add a small number of calories, so diabetics should consume it in moderation.

Is the soy lecithin used in this gum a concern for people with soy allergy?

Soy lecithin is listed as an emulsifier and originates from soybeans; therefore it can trigger reactions in individuals with a confirmed soy allergy and should be avoided by those people.

Mentos • 150 g

chewing gum mint

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Mentos Chewing Gum Mint is a sugar‑free mint‑flavored chewing gum marketed as a low‑calorie sweet snack and belongs to the “Sugary snacks” and “Sweets” pnns groups. The product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed formulation that includes a long list of additives such as multiple polyol sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, stabilisers, emulsifiers, antioxidants and a glazing agent. Nutritionally it provides virtually no sugar, fat or salt, but contains 70 g carbohydrates per 100 g largely from polyols, 0.2 g fat, and 13 different additives, which may be a concern for consumers seeking minimally processed foods.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal114 kcal

Fat0.2 g

Saturated Fat0.2 g

Carbohydrates70 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet‑snack (≈53 g sugar, 10.5 g fat, 0.36 g salt per 100 g), this gum contains virtually no sugar or salt and only 0.2 g fat, making its sugar, fat and salt levels dramatically lower than typical products in the category.

Ingredients

Zoetstoffen (xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitolstroop, aspartaam, acesulfaam-K, sucralose), gombasis, aroma's, zetmeel, maltodextrine, stabilisator (glycerol), emulgatoren (SOJALECITHINE, sucrose-esters van vetzuren), kokosvet, verdikkingsmiddelen (cellulosegom, arabische gom), antioxidant (E321), glansmiddel (carnaubawas)

84%

35%

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