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

The biscuit uses industrial ingredients like glucose syrup, vegetable fat, and multiple food‑grade additives (E202 potassium sorbate, E322/E322i lecithin, E330 citric acid, E331/III trisodium citrate, E422 glycerol, E440 pectin, E450/E450i disodium diphosphate, E476, E500/E500ii sodium bicarbonate, and E503/E503ii ammonium bicarbonate), which together meet the definition of an ultra‑processed product and place it in NOVA group 4.

How does the high sugar content of Jaffa Cakes affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 48 g of sugar per 100 g, Jaffa Cakes can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making them unsuitable for people managing diabetes, and the 0.32 g of salt per 100 g, though lower than average, still contributes to overall sodium intake and should be limited by those with hypertension.

Does Jaffa Cakes contain palm oil and what are the associated environmental concerns?

Yes, the ingredient list includes palm oil within the vegetable fat blend, which contributes to a threatened‑species penalty in the Eco‑Score calculation, indicating a negative impact on biodiversity and sustainability.

Jaffa Crvenka • 300 g

Jaffa Cakes

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Jaffa Cakes are a sugary snack belonging to the "Sugary snacks" and "Biscuits and cakes" PNNS groups, presented in a 300 g box and marketed as Halal. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature and a formulation that includes multiple additives such as emulsifiers, preservatives and a blend of palm‑derived vegetable fat. Nutritionally it is very high in sugar (48 g per 100 g) and low in protein and fiber, while its fat, saturated fat and salt levels are modest compared with typical snack averages.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal378 kcal

Fat9 g

Saturated Fat5 g

Carbohydrates69 g

Sugars48 g

Comparative Analysis

It contains about 48 g of sugar per 100 g, well above the category average of 28.98 g, while its fat (9 g) and salt (0.32 g) are considerably lower than the typical snack values of 17.65 g and 1.98 g respectively.

Ingredients

sugar, wheat flour, glucose syrup, eggs, cocoa butter, fat reduced cocoa powder, vegetable oil (sunflower), vegetable fat (palm, shea), humectant: glycerol, gelling agent: pectin, corn starch, raising agent: ammonium bicarbonate, disodium diphosphate, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, acidity regulator: trisodium citrate, orange juice (0,8%), preservative: potassium sorbate, emulsifier: soya lecithin, e476, natural orange flavour.

84%

35%

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