The Truth Behind Every Ingredient

Hi Reader,

This is the first episode of a new Aeviva series called The Truth Behind Every Ingredient.

Each week we take something you use every day and open it up ingredient by ingredient. Foods, drinks, supplements, skincare, and even the over the counter drugs you swallow or put on your skin. Coca Cola, Prime, sunscreen, protein bars, Heinz Ketchup, cold medicines, electrolyte powders, gummy vitamins, anything that goes into or onto your body is fair game.

The goal is simple. We show you what these products are made of, why each ingredient is used, and how it affects your health.

You will also see a quick rating in front of every ingredient.

🟢 means generally safe,

🟡 means worth paying attention to, and

🔴 is reserved for ingredients that have strong evidence of risk.

Some ingredients will surprise you. For example, the fizzy feeling in soft drinks comes from carbonic acid, the same compound your body makes during exercise, and many fruit flavours in snacks are precise lab made aroma molecules that mimic ripe fruit with amazing accuracy.

We want clarity, not fear.

We turn labels into simple language, explain the science behind each choice, and give you an honest professional opinion on whether a product supports your health or works against it.

At the end of each episode you can also send us the next product you want broken down. This series grows with your curiosity.

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THE INGREDIENTS BREAKDOWN

🔴 Sugar
The first ingredient, meaning it's present in the highest amount by weight. Provides the dominant sweet taste and makes up approximately 55% of the jar. A single 2-tablespoon serving contains 21g of sugar, with 19g being added sugars.

🟡 Palm Oil
A tropical vegetable oil that gives Nutella its smooth, spreadable consistency at room temperature. Controversial due to environmental concerns related to deforestation and habitat destruction. Remains semi-solid, preventing oil separation in the jar.

🟢 Hazelnuts
The signature ingredient that provides the nutty flavor, though they make up only about 13% of the product. Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Ground into a fine paste to create the spread's base texture.

🟢 Skim Milk
Adds creaminess and dairy flavor while keeping fat content lower than using whole milk. Provides calcium and protein in small amounts. Creates a smoother mouthfeel and lighter color.

🟢 Cocoa
Unsweetened cocoa powder that provides the chocolate flavor and dark color. Contains antioxidants called flavonoids and small amounts of iron and magnesium. Makes up approximately 7-8% of the product.

🟢 Lecithin as Emulsifier
Typically soy lecithin, though the label doesn't specify the source. Keeps oil and solid ingredients from separating by binding fat and water molecules together. Allows for a uniform, stable texture throughout the jar's shelf life.

🟡 Vanillin: An Artificial Flavor
A synthetic compound that mimics natural vanilla flavor but is cheaper to produce. Created in a lab rather than extracted from vanilla beans. Enhances the overall sweetness perception and adds depth to the chocolate-hazelnut taste.

LABEL SIGNS & CERTIFICATIONS

"Do Not Refrigerate or Microwave" - Maintains optimal spreading consistency at room temperature; heating can cause oil separation.

QR Code "Scan for Info" - Links to product information and sustainability commitments.

"Learn about our commitment to sustainability" - References Ferrero's palm oil sourcing practices (though specifics require scanning the code).

NUTRITIONAL TABLE (Per 2 tbsp / 37g serving)

Container has approximately 20 servings

COMPARISON TABLE

💡 Fun Fact: A 750g jar of Nutella contains approximately 400g of sugar, which is equivalent to about 100 sugar cubes or nearly 2 full cups of sugar.

💡 Did You Know? Nutella's palm oil sourcing has been controversial, but Ferrero claims to use 100% segregated certified sustainable palm oil and has committed to full traceability to the plantation level.

END SCORE: ⭐⭐ (2/5 stars)

Health Assessment:
Nutella is essentially a sugar and oil spread with hazelnut and cocoa flavoring. While it contains some beneficial nutrients from hazelnuts and cocoa (vitamin E, antioxidants, healthy fats), these are overshadowed by the massive sugar content and palm oil. The product provides 38% of your daily added sugar limit in just 2 tablespoons, which many people exceed when spreading it generously.

What it's good for:
Occasional treat, adding flavor to breakfast items in small amounts, satisfying chocolate-hazelnut cravings, quick energy before intense exercise (due to sugar content).

What it's harmful for:
Blood sugar management, weight control, dental health, reducing added sugar intake, anyone with pre-diabetes or diabetes, inflammatory conditions that worsen with high sugar intake.

Realistic Recommendation:
Limit to 1-2 times per week maximum and stick strictly to the 2-tablespoon serving size (consider measuring rather than eyeballing). Better yet, use it as a rare dessert ingredient rather than a daily breakfast spread. Consider alternatives like natural almond or hazelnut butter with a small amount of dark chocolate mixed in for similar flavor with less sugar. Not suitable for daily consumption, especially for children whose diets are often already high in added sugars.

If you want us to break down a product in the next episode, just reply to this email with the name. If you also have a clear photo of the label, it would be highly appreciated.

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