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

The snack combines refined corn and wheat flours, added vegetable oils, a processed cheese-style flavor blend, and several food-industry additives such as acidity regulator E330, flavor enhancer E621, and colorant E129, which together meet the criteria for an ultra-processed product (NOVA 4).

How does the sugar and salt content in Hitchico affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 8 g of sugar and 4 g of salt per 100 g, the snack can raise blood glucose levels and significantly increase sodium intake, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic or hypertensive meal plans that require low-sugar and low-salt foods.

Is Hitchico suitable for vegan, gluten-free, or halal diets?

Hitchico is not vegan because it contains whole-milk powder, it is not gluten-free due to wheat flour, but it bears a Halal label, indicating it meets halal certification standards despite the dairy ingredient.

M Grup • 65g

Hitchico

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Hitchico is a plant-based, salty snack belonging to the Salty snacks and Appetizers groups, sold in 65 g packs. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and a NOVA 4 classification, reflecting its high salt (4 g per 100 g) and saturated-fat (6 g per 100 g) content, numerous additives (E330, E621, E129) and the presence of milk powder, making it unsuitable for vegans and high in sodium. While it provides moderate fiber (3 g per 100 g) and is certified Halal, the product’s ultra-processed nature and high sodium and saturated-fat levels limit its nutritional benefits.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Comparative Analysis

In the salty snack category, Hitchico’s 4 g of salt and 6 g of saturated fat per 100 g exceed typical averages, resulting in a low Nutri-Score E and placing it on the less healthy end of the market.

Ingredients

Maismehl, WEIZENMEHL Maisstärke, Pflanzliches Öl (Palmöl, Sonnenblumenöl), Scharfer Käse Geschmack (10%) [Salz, Maltodextrin, Säureregulator (E330), Zucker, Geschmacksverstärker (E621), Chilipfefferpulver, Paprikapulver, Knoblauchpulver, Zwiebelpulver, VOLLMILCHPULVER (0,7%), Aroma, Hefeextrakt, Paprikaextrakt, Farbstoff (E129*)]. *Kann die Aktivität und Aufmerksamkeit bei Kindern beeinträchtigen. Kann Spuren von Milchprodukten, Haselnuss, Erdnuss, Pistazie, Sulfit und Sesam enthalten. NL-Maischips Met Rode Chilipeper En

84%

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