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

The product falls into NOVA group 4 because it is made from refined wheat flour and includes multiple industrial ingredients such as thickeners (E508 – sodium alginate, E412 – guar gum), acidity regulators (E500 – sodium carbonates, E501 – potassium carbonates), a humectant (E451 – silicon dioxide), a flavour enhancer (E635 – disodium 5‑ribonucleotides), a colourant (E150d – sulfured caramel) and other processing aids, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in Maggi instant noodles affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The noodles contain only 0.9 g of sugar per 100 g, which is low and generally acceptable for diabetes management, but they also contain lodized salt, providing a noticeable amount of sodium that can contribute to higher blood pressure; individuals with hypertension should monitor portion size and consider the total daily sodium intake.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or keto diets?

The product is vegan because it contains no animal‑derived ingredients, but it is not gluten‑free due to refined wheat flour and wheat gluten, and it is unsuitable for a keto diet because the high carbohydrate content (31 g per 100 g) far exceeds the low‑carb requirements of that eating pattern.

Maggi • may/24/jan/25-D

Maggi

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Maggi instant noodles are a wheat‑based snack product marketed under the Maggi brand and classified in the noodles category. The product is ultra‑processed (NOVA group 4) and contains a range of additives such as thickeners (E508, E412), acidity regulators (E500, E501), a humectant (E451), a flavour enhancer (E635) and a colour (E150d), with a nutritional profile that features low sugar (0.9 g per 100 g), moderate total fat (6.5 g) but a relatively high saturated fat level (4.3 g), high carbohydrates (31 g) and modest protein (4.3 g); a Nutri‑Score is not assigned. It belongs to the PNNS groups “Cereals and potatoes” and “Cereals”, offering a quick energy source while also delivering a notable amount of saturated fat and several processing additives.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal385 kcal

Fat12.5 g

Saturated Fat8.3 g

Carbohydrates59.6 g

Sugars1.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the typical noodle category, this Maggi product provides about 0.9 g of sugar per 100 g, well below the category average of 9 g, while its fat (6.5 g) and saturated fat (4.3 g) are close to or lower than the average values.

Ingredients

Noodles: Refined wheat flour (Maida), Palm oil, lodized salt, Wheat gluten, Thickeners (508 & 412), Acidity regulators (501(i) & 500 (i)) and Humectant (451 (i)). Masala *TASTEMAKER®: Mixed spices (25.6%) (Onion powder, Coriander powder, Turmeric powder, Red chilli powder, Garlic powder, Cumin powder, Aniseed powder, Ginger powder, Fenugreek powder, Black pepper powder, Clove powder, Green cardamom powder & Nutmeg powder), Refined wheat flour (Maida), Hydrolysed groundnut protein, Sugar, Palm oil, Starch, lodized salt, Thickener (508), Flavour enhancer (635), Toasted onion flakes, Acidity regulator (330), Colour (150d), Mineral and Wheat gluten. Allergen Note: Contains Wheat & Nut. May contain Milk, Mustard, Oats And Soy

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