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

NOVA 4 includes foods made mostly from industrial ingredients and containing additives; Tim Tams are made from refined wheat flour, milk chocolate, vegetable oils and a suite of additives such as soy lecithin, emulsifier E476, and food colourings E120 (cochineal) and E160b (annatto), which places them in the ultra‑processed group.

How does the high sugar and saturated‑fat content of Tim Tams affect people with diabetes or high blood pressure?

The 44.8 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making Tim Tams unsuitable for tight glycaemic control, while the 14.8 g of saturated fat may raise LDL cholesterol, which can exacerbate hypertension and cardiovascular risk in susceptible individuals.

Is the cochineal colour (E120) in Tim Tams a concern for vegans or people with specific allergies?

E120 is derived from the cochineal insect, so it is not vegan and may trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to insects or with severe food‑allergy profiles; consumers avoiding animal‑derived ingredients should steer clear of products containing this colour.

Arnott's • 330g

Tim Tams

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Tim Tams are an Australian‑made chocolate biscuit classified as a sugary snack in the “Sugary snacks” PNNS group. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of E and falls into NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed formulation that includes added sugars, saturated fat, soy lecithin, emulsifier E476 and several food colourings (E120, E160b). Although it provides a quick energy boost and bears sustainable‑palm‑oil labeling, its high sugar (44.8 g/100 g), high saturated fat (14.8 g/100 g) and low fiber (1.64 g/100 g) make it a poor choice for low‑sugar or low‑fat dietary patterns.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy2180 kJ

Fat26.8 g

Saturated Fat14.8 g

Carbohydrates64.5 g

Sugars44.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack in its category, Tim Tams contain substantially more sugar (44.8 g vs 28.98 g) and fat (26.8 g vs 17.65 g), double the saturated fat (14.8 g vs 7.8 g), but less salt (0.4 g vs 1.98 g) and lower overall energy (95 kcal vs 418 kcal).

Ingredients

biscuits: milk chocolate (38%)(sugar, milk solids, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, vegetable oil, emulsifiers (soy lecithin, e476), flavour), wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil (contains soy), golden syrup, food colours (caramel iii, beet red, cochineal, annatto), cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, emulsifier (soy lecithin), flavour. contains gluten containing cereals, milk and soy. may contain traces of egg, peanut, sesame and tree nut.

84%

35%

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