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

The snack is categorized as ultra‑processed because its formulation includes many industrial ingredients such as monosodium glutamate (E621), flavor enhancers, maltodextrin, colorants (E150, E160b, E160c), acidity regulators (E270, E330), and several powdered dairy and cheese components, all of which are typical of heavily processed foods.

How does the salt and sugar content in Nacho Cheese affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 2.7 g of sugar per 100 g, the product contributes a modest amount of carbohydrate, which can fit into a controlled‑carb plan for diabetes, but the 1.2 g of salt (approximately 480 mg sodium) adds a notable sodium load that should be limited by individuals managing high blood pressure.

Is Nacho Cheese suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

No; the snack contains milk‑derived ingredients, whey powder and wheat flour, so it is neither vegan nor gluten‑free, and its high carbohydrate level (58 g per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for a keto diet.

Doritos, Pepsico • 44 g

Nacho cheese

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Nacho Cheese is a salty snack belonging to the Salty snacks family, featuring corn base, vegetable oils and a cheese flavoring. It carries a Nutri-Score of D and falls into the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting its high fat content (26 g/100 g) and presence of several additives such as MSG, colorants and acidity regulators. While it offers a good amount of fiber (5.6 g) and modest sugars, it also contains gluten and milk allergens, making it unsuitable for those with related intolerances.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal501 kcal

Fat26 g

Saturated Fat3.4 g

Carbohydrates58 g

Sugars2.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average corn‑chip snacks, Nacho Cheese is higher in fat (26 g vs 23.6 g), energy (501 kcal vs 471 kcal) and carbohydrates (58 g vs 56.9 g), but lower in saturated fat (3.4 g vs 5.1 g), sugars (2.7 g vs 3.8 g), and salt (1.2 g vs 52.4 g), while providing more fiber (5.6 g vs 4.5 g) and slightly less protein (6.5 g vs 8.0 g).

Ingredients

Maïs,huiles végétales (tournesol, colza, maïs, en proportion variable),base aromatisante fromage [maltodextrine, poudre de petit-LAIT, farine de BLÉ (contient calcium, fer, niacine, thiamine), FROMAGE en poudre, poudre de tomate, arômes (dont LAIT), poudre d'oignon, poudre de BABEURRE, chlorure de potassium, exhausteur de goût (glutamate monosodique), protéines de LAIT, dextrose, correcteurs d'acidité (acide lactique, acide citrique), colorants (extrait de paprika, rocou, caramel), épices, sucre, poudre de LAIT écrémé],sel

84%

35%

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