Why is Dark Chocolate with Nuts classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The bar is rated NOVA 4 because its formulation relies on ingredients that have been refined or extracted, such as glucose syrup, maltodextrin, vegetable oils and multiple emulsifiers. The label lists three additives: lecithins (E322) used as an emulsifier, glycerol (E422) acting as a humectant, and a tocopherol‑rich extract (E306) serving as an antioxidant.

How does the sugar and saturated fat content in this bar affect people with diabetes or heart‑related conditions?

With 23.3 g of sugars per 100 g, the bar can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, which may be problematic for diabetics who need to limit added sugars. The saturated fat level of 8.8 g per 100 g also contributes to higher LDL cholesterol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, so consumption should be limited for people managing heart conditions.

Is Dark Chocolate with Nuts suitable for vegan, gluten‑free or low‑carb diets?

The product is not vegan because it contains lactose derived from milk and possibly honey, and it is not gluten‑free due to wheat flour. Its carbohydrate content (50 g per 100 g) and added sugars (23.3 g) make it unsuitable for low‑carb regimens.

Nature Valley • 120g

Dark Chocolate with Nuts

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

The product is a chewy snack bar made with roasted peanuts, oat flakes, almond pieces and dark chocolate pieces, marketed as a dark chocolate with nuts bar. It falls under the "Sugary snacks" and "Biscuits and cakes" PNNS groups, carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), reflecting its high levels of added sugars (23.3 g per 100 g) and saturated fat (8.8 g per 100 g) alongside a modest 10.1 g of dietary fibre. While it provides a good amount of protein (9.5 g) and fibre, the presence of gluten, milk, peanuts, soy and several additives (lecithins, glycerol, tocopherol‑rich extract) may be concerns for allergens or those seeking cleaner labels.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal405 kcal

Fat22.9 g

Saturated Fat8.8 g

Carbohydrates50 g

Sugars23.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack bar, this product contains less sugar (23.3 g vs 28.98 g) and salt (0.93 g vs 1.98 g) but considerably more total fat (22.9 g vs 17.65 g), saturated fat (8.8 g vs 7.8 g) while offering almost three times the fibre (10.1 g vs 3.07 g).

Ingredients

roasted peanuts 18,5%, whole grain oat flakes 14%, glucose syrup, chocolate pieces 9% (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (lecithins ( soy )), vegetable fats and oils (palm, sunflower, rapeseed, shea), chicory root extract, sugar, wheat flour, maltodextrin, rice flour, fructose, fat-reduced cocoa powder, lactose ( milk ), almond pieces 1,3%, humectant (glycerol), salt, emulsifiers (lecithins ( soy )), peanut butter 0,75%, dextrose, natural flavourings, honey, antioxidant (tocopherol-rich extract),

84%

35%

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