Why is Maria Biscuits classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Because the formulation combines refined wheat flour, added sugars, vegetable oils, raising agents, emulsifiers and colorants, the product meets the NOVA 4 definition of ultra‑processed foods; its additive list includes caramel colour (E150d), sodium disulphite (E223), lecithin (E322), sodium carbonate (E500) and ammonium carbonate (E503), among others.

How does the sugar and salt content in Maria Biscuits affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 24 g of sugar per 100 g, the biscuits can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for regular consumption by people with diabetes, while the 0.93 g of salt per 100 g contributes to sodium intake and may aggravate hypertension, so they should be eaten only occasionally.

Is the wheat flour in Maria Biscuits a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, wheat flour accounts for 78 % of the product and contains gluten, so the biscuits are not safe for individuals with celiac disease or non‑celiac gluten sensitivity.

Cuétara • 200g

Maria Biscuits

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maria Biscuits, sold under the Cuétara brand, are a sweet snack belonging to the 'Sugary snacks' and 'Biscuits and cakes' categories of the European food classification. They carry a Nutri‑Score of D (score 16) and are placed in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group, containing 24 g of sugar, 0.93 g of salt and 1.8 g of saturated fat per 100 g, and they list gluten and sulfites among the allergens. While they provide a quick source of carbohydrates, the product also includes several additives (E150d, E223, E322, E500, E503) and palm oil, which raise concerns about nutritional quality and sustainability.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal424 kcal

Fat8 g

Saturated Fat1.8 g

Carbohydrates80 g

Sugars24 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweet snack (≈29 g sugar, 1.98 g salt, 7.8 g saturated fat per 100 g), these Maria biscuits contain 24 g sugar, 0.93 g salt and 1.8 g saturated fat, placing them below the typical levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat for the category.

Ingredients

Farine de BLÉ (78%), sucre, huiles végétales (tournesol haut oléique et palme), sirop de glucose et fructose, poudres à lever (carbonates d'ammonium et sodium), émulsifiant: lécithine (contient du BLE), sel, agent de traitement de la farine (DISULFITE de sodium), colorant: E150d (contient SULFITES).

84%

35%

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