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

Because the bar combines refined sugar, milk solids, wheat flour, cocoa ingredients and several processing aids; the label lists additives E322 (soy lecithin), E322i (soy lecithin variant), E476 (polyglycerol polyricinoleate) and E500/E500ii (sodium bicarbonate), all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the high sugar content in KitKat affect people with diabetes or those monitoring blood glucose?

At about 51 g of sugar per 100 g, a single 42‑g bar delivers roughly 21 g of sugar, which can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose and should be limited or avoided in diabetic meal plans.

Based on its ingredient list, is KitKat suitable for vegan, gluten‑free or low‑carb diets?

No; the product contains milk solids, wheat flour (gluten) and soy lecithin, so it is not vegan or gluten‑free, and its high carbohydrate (≈62 g per 100 g) and sugar levels make it unsuitable for low‑carb regimens.

Nestlé • 42g

KitKat

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

KitKat is a chocolate‑covered wafer bar marketed by Nestlé and belongs to the Sugary snacks and Biscuits & cakes groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with several additives such as soy lecithin, E476 and sodium bicarbonate. While it provides 6.7 g of protein per 100 g and modest salt (0.2 g), it is high in sugars (≈51 g), total fat (≈26 g) and saturated fat (≈15 g), which may outweigh its occasional‑snack appeal.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal518 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack bar, KitKat contains roughly 80 % more sugar (51 g vs 29 g), 50 % more total fat (26 g vs 18 g) and double the saturated fat (15 g vs 8 g), while its salt (0.2 g) and protein (6.7 g) are below and slightly above typical values respectively.

Ingredients

Sugar, Milk Solids, Wheat Flour, Cocoa Butter^, Vegetable Fat Emulsifier ( Soy Lecithin), Cocoa Mass^, Choc Paste ( Milk, Wheat, Soy ), Emulsifiers ( Soy Lecithin, 476), Cocoa^, Raising Agent (Sodium Bicarbonate), Salt, Yeast, Processing Aid ( Wheat ), Flavour. Contains Milk, Wheat, Gluten, Soy. May Contain Tree Nuts, Other Gluten Containing Ingredients. Product Contains 67% Milk Chocolate and 33% Wafer Fingers. Milk Chocolate Contains Minimum 22% Cocoa Solids, 25% Milk Solids. ^ Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa. Find Out More at Ra.Org.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.