Why are Merba Cookies classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives do they contain?

They are made from refined sugar, wheat flour, vegetable oils, cocoa paste and syrup, all of which undergo extensive industrial processing, and they include additives such as caramel colour (E150a), sodium carbonate (E500), soy lecithin as an emulsifier, and trace‑level natural flavourings, which together place them in the NOVA 4 category.

How does the high sugar and saturated‑fat content of these cookies affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The 34 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, challenging glycaemic control for diabetics, while the 13 g of saturated fat contributes to elevated LDL cholesterol, potentially worsening hypertension and cardiovascular risk when consumed regularly.

Is the palm oil used in Merba Cookies a sustainability concern?

Yes; palm oil is linked to deforestation and loss of biodiversity, and the Eco‑Score adjustment reflects a negative impact on threatened species, making its presence a noteworthy environmental drawback.

Merba • 150g

Cookies

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

These Merba Cookies are chocolate‑flavored drop biscuits that belong to the sugary snacks and biscuits‑and‑cakes groups. With 27 g of fat, 13 g of saturated fat and 34 g of sugars per 100 g, they receive a Nutri‑Score of E and are classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), reflecting a high energy density and limited nutritional balance. The formulation includes wheat flour, palm and sunflower oils, cocoa ingredients, added sugars, and traces of milk, egg and nuts, making it unsuitable for vegans and a potential allergen risk for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal512 kcal

Fat27 g

Saturated Fat13 g

Carbohydrates60 g

Sugars34 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack biscuit (28.98 g sugars, 17.65 g fat, 7.8 g saturated fat per 100 g), these cookies contain considerably more sugar (34 g) and fat (27 g) and nearly double the saturated fat (13 g), while their salt level (0.89 g) is below the typical 1.98 g.

Ingredients

Zucchero, farina de frumento, oli vegetali (palma, girasole), pasta di cacao, sciroppo di glucosio-fruttosio, burro di cacao, agent E500; sale, emulsionante: lecitina di soia; colorante: caramello semplice; aroma naturale. Sono possibili trace di noci, latte e uovo. Conservare in lu utto.

84%

35%

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