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

The biscuit is rated NOVA 4 because it includes industrial ingredients such as refined wheat flour, added sugars, vegetable oils and a list of food additives: colour E150d, emulsifier lecithin (E322i), sodium metabisulphite (E223) and raising agents like ammonium and sodium carbonates.

How does the sugar and salt content in this biscuit affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 24 g of sugar and 0.93 g of salt per 100 g, the biscuit can raise blood glucose and blood pressure; although the levels are lower than many similar snacks, they still exceed recommended daily limits for people managing diabetes or hypertension, so consumption should be limited.

Is the palm oil used in this product a concern for sustainability or for people with specific allergies?

Palm oil is listed as an ingredient and may raise environmental concerns due to deforestation linked to its production; it is not a common allergen, but consumers who avoid palm oil for ecological reasons may choose to skip this biscuit.

Cuétara • 800 g

Maria

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maria is a classic sweet biscuit produced by Cuetara in Portugal, classified in the Sugary snacks group of the food category. It carries a Nutri-Score of D and belongs to the ultra-processed NOVA 4 group, reflecting its high levels of added sugars (24 g), salt (0.93 g) and the presence of several additives such as E150d colour, E322 lecithin and sodium metabisulphite. While the biscuit provides 7 g of protein and 2 g of fiber per 100 g, its overall nutritional profile is moderate to high in sugar and salt, making it a treat rather than a staple.

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, this Maria biscuit contains about 24 g of sugar, 8 g of fat and 0.9 g of salt per 100 g, all notably lower than the category averages of 29 g sugar, 18 g fat and 2 g salt.

Ingredients

Farinha de trigo, açúcar, óleos vegetais alimentares de girassol alto oleico e palma (Cuétara Oleoequilibre 7,7%), xarope de glicose e frutose, levedantes (carbonatos de amónio e sódio), emulsionante: lecitina (contém trigo), sal, agente de tratamento da farinha (metabissulfito de sódio), corante: E150d (contém sulfitos). PODE CONTER leite, soja, ovos.

84%

35%

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