Why is Britannia Cake Fruity Fun classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labeled NOVA 4 because it includes multiple industrial ingredients such as refined wheat flour, hydrogenated vegetable oil, refined palm-olein oil and a long list of additives identified by their E numbers: E102, E110, E1450, E282, E330, E341, E412, E415, E420, E435, E466, E472e and E477. These additives serve as colours, emulsifiers, stabilisers, acidity regulators, preservatives and raising agents, which are typical of ultra-processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content of this cake affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 27.1 g of sugars per 100 g, the cake contributes a high amount of quickly absorbable carbohydrates, which can raise blood glucose levels and should be limited by people with diabetes. The salt level of 0.54 g per 100 g is moderate and lower than many snacks, but it still adds sodium to the diet and may need monitoring for individuals with hypertension.

Is the palm oil used in this product a concern for sustainability or health?

The formulation lists refined palm-olein oil, which is derived from palm oil; its production is linked to deforestation and threatened species, reflected in the product's EcoScore adjustment for palm oil. From a health perspective, palm oil adds saturated fat (1.5 g per 100 g) and contributes to the overall fat content, which should be considered in a balanced diet.

Britannia • 50g

Britannia cake fruity fun

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Britannia Cake Fruity Fun is a sweet snack classified under the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups, offering 417 kcal (1745 kJ) per 100 g. It carries a Nutri-Score of D and is placed in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting the presence of 13 food additives, hydrogenated vegetable oil, refined palm-olein oil and egg, which also makes it unsuitable for vegans and a source of allergens such as egg and gluten. Nutritionally it provides 27.1 g of sugars (high), 17.8 g of fat (moderate) and 0.54 g of salt (moderate), delivering a modest protein amount (6.1 g) while contributing a notable amount of saturated fat (1.5 g).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal417 kcal

Fat17.8 g

Saturated Fat1.5 g

Trans Fat0.10 g

Monounsaturated Fat6.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack in its category, this cake has slightly less sugar (27.1 g vs 28.98 g), a marginally higher fat content (17.8 g vs 17.65 g) and considerably lower salt (0.54 g vs 1.98 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

REFINED WHEAT FLOUR (MAIDA), SUGAR, EGGS, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL & REFINED PALMOLEIN OIL, FRUIT PRODUCTS (7.3%) (GLAZED FRUITS (PAPAYA CUTS, SUGAR, COLOURS (124 & 110), PINEAPPLE CUTS) & ORANGE PULP), HUMECTANTS (422 & 420 HIGH MALTOSE E SYRUP, EDIBLE MAIZE STARCH, PENTA CAKE (RAISING AGENTS 1450, 500m, 341, 341m), EMULSIFIERS (472e, 466, 435, STABILIZER (412) & ACIDITY REGULATOR (330)), RAISING AGENTS [34101, 500m) & 4500), NATURE IDENTICAL & ARTIFICIAL (MIXED FRUIT & VANILLA) FLAVOURING SUBSTANCES, CAKE GEL (EMULSIFIERS AND STABILIZERS (471 & 477) AND HUMECTANT (420), IODISED SALT, INVERT SUGAR SYRUP, PRESERVATIVES (202&282), BAKING POWDER, ACIDITY REGULATOR (330), STABILIZER (415) AND COLOUR (102). (Numbers in brackets as per International Numbering System) CONTAINS WHEAT AND EGGS

84%

35%

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