Why is salted caramel nut protein bar classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

It is classified as ultra‑processed because the formulation relies on refined sugars, maltodextrin, palm oil, flavorings and several food‑grade additives such as E322 (lecithin), E422 (glycerol), E170 (calcium carbonate) and E170i, which are typical of industrially manufactured snack bars.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this bar affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The bar contains 15.8 g of sugar per 100 g, which can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and is therefore less suitable for tight diabetic control, while the 0.92 g of salt contributes to sodium intake and may exacerbate hypertension; individuals with these conditions should limit portion size.

Is this bar suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or other specific diet plans?

The bar is gluten‑free and vegetarian, but it is not vegan because it includes skimmed milk powder, and it lists peanuts, soy and possible tree‑nut cross‑contamination, making it unsuitable for those with related allergies or a strict vegan diet.

Nature Valley • 160 gram

salted caramel nut, proteine

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

The salted caramel nut protein bar belongs to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups, providing 26 g of protein and 10.75 g of fiber per 100 g. It carries a NOVA 4 rating, marking it as ultra‑processed, and its Nutri‑Score is not applicable for this category. While it offers high protein and fiber, it also contains elevated fat (29.5 g), moderate sugar (15.8 g) and salt (0.92 g) and includes allergens such as milk, peanuts, soy and may contain trace tree nuts.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal495 kcal

Fat29.5 g

Saturated Fat6.8 g

Trans Fat0 g

Monounsaturated Fat0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average snack bars, this bar delivers far more protein (26 g vs 6.3 g) and fiber (10.8 g vs 3.1 g) but also higher fat (29.5 g vs 17.6 g) and calories (495 kcal vs 418 kcal) while containing less sugar (15.8 g vs 29 g) and salt (0.9 g vs 2 g).

Ingredients

Geroosterde pinda's (44,5%), geïsoleerd sojaeiwit, oligofructose, plantaardige oliën en vetten (palm, zonnebloem, koolzaad), glucosetroop, suiker, weibestanddelen (melk), maltodextrine, fructose, bevochtigingsmiddel (glycerol), tapiocazetmeel, karamelpoeder (0,84%) (suiker, magere melkpoeder), magere melkpoeder, emulgatoren (lecithinen (soja)), zout, natuurlijke aroma's (melk), geroosterde amandelen (0,24%), magere cacaopoeder, stabilisator (calciumcarbonaat), Voor allergenen: zie vetgedrukte ingrediënten, Kan andere boomnoten bevatten, Glutenvrij,

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.