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

It is made from refined wheat flour, added sugar, vegetable oils, cocoa powder, milk powder and other processed ingredients, and includes raising agents (sodium carbonates, ammonium carbonate, calcium carbonate) and emulsifiers such as lecithin (E-322i) and esterified monoglycerides (E-472e), which place it in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category.

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

With about 24 g of sugar per 100 g, the biscuit can cause rapid blood glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while its 0.75 g of salt per 100 g adds to daily sodium intake and may raise blood pressure, so it should be consumed only in moderation by hypertensive individuals.

Is the palm oil in Maria choco a sustainability concern?

Palm oil production is often linked to deforestation and habitat loss, and because the packaging does not indicate a certified sustainable source, the palm oil in this biscuit may be a concern for environmentally conscious consumers.

Hacendado

María choco

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Maria choco is a chocolate-coated Maria biscuit sold under the Hacendado brand at Mercadona and belongs to the PNNS dietary families of Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes. It is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and carries a Nutri-Score of D, reflecting its high sugar content of about 24 g per 100 g, moderate fat and salt, and modest fiber. The biscuit contains gluten, milk and traces of egg, soy and sulfites, and includes palm oil and several additives (E-500, E-322i, E-472e), which may be concerns for health- and sustainability-aware consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal466 kcal

Fat17 g

Saturated Fat3.7 g

Carbohydrates69 g

Sugars24 g

Comparative Analysis

Its sugar (24 g) and salt (0.75 g) per 100 g are both well below the average levels for similar sweet snack biscuits, which contain about 28.98 g sugar and 1.98 g salt.

Ingredients

Harina de trigo, azúcar, aceites vegetales de girasol alto oleico y Palma, cacao desgrasado en polvo 6'5%, leche desnatada en polvo, chocolate con leche en polvo 0'5%, sal, gasificantes (carbonatos de sodio, de amonio y de calcio), emulgentes (lecitina, E 472e), aromas, Contiene cebada, Puede contener soja, sulfitos, huevos,

84%

35%

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