Why is Croissant con crema de chocolate classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product combines many industrial ingredients such as refined wheat flour, palm oil, added sugars, emulsifiers, flavorings and a range of food additives (E160a(i) beta‑carotene, E200 sorbic acid, E202 potassium sorbate, E282 calcium propionate, E330 citric acid, E415 xanthan gum, E466 sodium carboxymethylcellulose, E471 mono‑ and diglycerides, E472e esterified fatty acids and E481 sorbitan monostearate), which together define it as ultra‑processed and give it a NOVA 4 rating.

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

With 14 g of sugars per 100 g, the croissant can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making it a less suitable choice for people managing diabetes, while its 0.68 g of salt (moderate level) still contributes to daily sodium intake and should be limited for those with hypertension.

Based on its ingredients, is this product suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or low‑carb diets?

No; the pastry contains dairy powder, whey, egg liquid and wheat flour with gluten, so it is neither vegan nor gluten‑free, and its 45 g of carbohydrates per 100 g make it unsuitable for low‑carb or ketogenic eating plans.

Hacendado • 375 g

Croissant con crema de chocolate

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Croissant con crema de chocolate is a chocolate‑cream filled pastry sold under the Hacendado brand at Mercadona and belongs to the pastries group. Per 100 g it delivers 419 kcal, 23 g fat (6.6 g saturated), 14 g sugars, 0.68 g salt, 7 g protein and 1.1 g fiber, resulting in a Nutri‑Score of D and a NOVA rating of 4, indicating an ultra‑processed snack with high sugar and saturated fat. While it offers a modest protein amount, it contains several additives (E‑codes, palm oil) and common allergens such as gluten, milk and soy, which are important considerations for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal419 kcal

Fat23 g

Saturated Fat6.6 g

Monounsaturated Fat4.8 g

Polyunsaturated Fat2.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average sweet pastries, this croissant contains lower sugar, salt and saturated fat but higher total fat and calories, while providing slightly less fiber and a similar protein level.

Ingredients

Creme de cacau (31%) [açúcar, óleo de girassol, cacau magro em pó (11%), amido de milho, gordura vegetais de palma, creme de avelã (frutos de casca rija), leite em pó, soro de leite em pó, emulsionante (lecitina de soja), aromas], farinha de trigo (glúten), gordura vegetais de palma, água, açúcar, levedura, ovo líquido pasteurizado, xarope de açúcar invertido, óleo de girassol, fibra de trigo (glúten), glúten de trigo, sal, acidificante (ácido cítrico), corante (beta-caroteno), conservantes (propionato de cálcio, ácido sórbico, sorbato de potássio), emulsionantes (E471, E472e, E481), espessantes (carboximetilcelulose de sódio, goma xantana), aromas. Pode conter vestígios de mostarda e outros frutos de casca rija. 100 a 41 7a

84%

35%

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