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

The product includes a long list of industrial ingredients such as emulsifiers (soy lecithin, mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids), leavening agents (ammonium carbonate, disodium diphosphate, sodium bicarbonate), flavorings, and various refined sugars and syrups, which together place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the high sugar and moderate salt content in Pan di stelle affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 35.5 g of sugar per 100 g, the snack can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for people managing diabetes, while its 0.5 g of salt, although lower than many snacks, still contributes to overall sodium intake and should be limited for hypertension.

Is the gluten in Pan di stelle a concern for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance?

Yes. The formulation contains wheat flour, which provides gluten, so the product is not safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

La Merenda, Mulino Bianco • 8 x 35 g

Pan di stelle

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Pan di stelle is a sweet, cocoa‑flavored filled sponge cake slice marketed as a snack, falling under the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), with notably high sugar (35.5 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (7.5 g per 100 g) while containing moderate fat and salt levels. The product is labelled as free from colourings, palm oil, hydrogenated fats and preservatives, making it an occasional treat rather than a health‑focused choice.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal369 kcal

Fat13.6 g

Saturated Fat7.5 g

Carbohydrates52.4 g

Sugars35.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average snack items, Pan di stelle contains more sugar (35.5 g vs 28.98 g) but less fat (13.6 g vs 17.65 g), slightly lower saturated fat (7.5 g vs 7.8 g) and considerably lower salt (0.5 g vs 1.98 g).

Ingredients

Pan di spagna al cacao con crema al latte scremato in polvere. ingredienti: crema al latte scremato in polvere 28,6% (zucchero, acqua, burro di cacao, sciroppo di glucosio, latte scremato in polvere 11,3% corrispondente a 3,2% sul prodotto finito, amido di riso, latticello in polvere (latte), proteine del latte, fibra solubile: oligofruttosio), zucchero, farina di frumento, tuorlo d'uovo, uova fresche, cioccolato (zucchero, pasta di cacao, burro di cacao, aroma, emulsionante: lecitina di soia), cacao 3,8%, sciroppo di glucosio-fruttosio, latte intero fresco pastorizzato, burro, fecola di patate, olio di semi di girasole, aromi (latte, sola), agenti lievitanti (carbonato d'ammonio, difosfato disodico, carbonato acido di sodio), albume d'uovo in polvere, sale, farina di riso, burro di cacao, emulsionanti: mono e digliceridi degli acidi grassi, amido di frumento, amido di patata. Può contenere tracce di: frutta a guscio e sesamo. Gli ingredienti evidenziati possono provocare reazioni in persone aliergiche o intolleranti. Conservare in luogo fresco ed asciutto. i PRODOTTI DI PAN DI STELLE, FATTI SEMPRE E SOLTANTO CON I MIGLIORI INGREDIENTI, SONO: SENZA COLORANTI, SENZA GRASSI 3 IDROGENATI E SENZA ADDITIVI CONSERVANTI. BA

84%

35%

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