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

The snack is made from processed cornmeal, refined oils and a cheese‑flavoring system that includes lactose, whey powder, flavor enhancers (MSG, inosinate, guanylates) and colorants (annatto, paprika extract), all of which are characteristic of ultra‑processed foods, leading to its NOVA 4 classification.

How do the sugar and salt levels in Pelotazos affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 6.5 g of sugars and 1.6 g of salt per 100 g, the snack can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and increase sodium intake, which may worsen blood‑sugar control for diabetics and raise blood‑pressure concerns for hypertensive individuals, so it should be consumed only occasionally.

Is the cheese flavoring in Pelotazos a concern for people with milk allergies?

Yes, the cheese flavoring contains lactose and whey powder derived from milk, both of which are recognized milk allergens, making the product unsuitable for anyone with a milk allergy.

Cheetos • 40 g.

Pelotazos

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Pelotazos is a baked corn snack with cheese flavor marketed under the Cheetos brand, belonging to the salty snacks and appetizers family. It carries a Nutri-Score of D and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), containing high levels of fat (27.8 g) and sugars (6.5 g) per 100 g, as well as milk‑derived allergens despite being gluten‑free. While its EcoScore is an impressive A, the product’s nutritional profile is less favorable due to elevated fat, sugar, and salt content and the presence of several food additives.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal520 kcal

Fat27.8 g

Saturated Fat4 g

Carbohydrates61.4 g

Sugars6.5 g

Comparative Analysis

With 27.8 g fat, 6.5 g sugars and 1.6 g salt per 100 g, this snack exceeds the average fat and sugar levels of its category while its salt content is below the category average, though it remains relatively high.

Ingredients

Sémola de maíz 73%, aceite de maíz, aroma de queso [_lactosa_, sustancias aromatizantes, suero de _leche_ en polvo, potenciadores del sabor (glutamato monosódico, inosinato, guanilato disódicos), aromas de humo], azúcar, sal, colorantes (concentrado de vegetales, extracto de pimentón, annato)

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.