Mars Chocolate Deutschland has made further improvements to the nutritional labelling on its product packaging. Now, consumers are shown the number of calories as a proportion of the total recommended daily allowance (Guideline Daily Amount or GDA), in addition to other ingredient information. For a balanced and healthy diet, it is necessary to understand what exactly is inside the different food products.

GDA (Guideline Daily Amount)

GDA (Guideline Daily Amount) is a reference for daily energy and nutrient intake in relation to a total daily energy input of 2,000 kilocalories (kcal). This is the average daily energy requirement of an adult woman. The guidelines are based on official European recommendations and can be displayed on the products of food and drink manufacturers as a voluntary commitment.

GDAs are reference values

Individual energy needs are determined by age, gender, weight and level of physical activity. At 2,500 kcal, the average daily energy need of men is higher and that of children is lower. People that are physically active also have a higher energy need than those moving less and sitting a lot. Therefore, the GDA labelling provides guidance for a balanced diet and is designed to help you make informed food choices for you and your family.

Information at a glance!

On the front of the packaging, consumers will find the calorie content of the product along with the percentage these calories represent as a proportion of the average total calorie consumption per day.

The backside of the packaging provides nutritional values of the product per portion and per 100 g. All information is based on the average total daily energy need of 2,000 kilocalories (kcal) for an adult woman.

What is the significance of these nutrients?

Kilocalories (kcal)

The kilocalorie (kcal) is a unit of measurement for the energy the body needs to stay alive. Both the energy intake from food and drink and the energy consumption are expressed in kilocalories (kcal). Another common declaration of energy is kilojoule (kJ). 1 kcal is equivalent to about 4.2 kJ. Energy is consumed through nutrients categorised as carbohydrates (1g = 4 kcal), protein (1g = 4 kcal) and fat (1g = 9 kcal).

Protein

Protein not only delivers energy, but is also an important building material for cells. Protein consists of amino acids the body also needs to build up enzymes, hormones and for the immune system. The GDA (Guideline Daily Amount) for adults recommends 50 g protein per day (based on a 2,000 kcal diet).

Carbohydrates

Above all, carbohydrates are energy suppliers. The different types are: monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides and disaccharides such as glucose (dextrose) and sucrose (table sugar) taste sweet and are quickly metabolised by the body, consequently delivering energy almost instantly. Polysaccharides such as starch, taste neutral and are absorbed slower. Carbohydrates are stored in muscles as glycogen and transformed into energy as needed. If the body is supplied with more carbohydrates than it can use or store, excess carbohydrates are transformed into fat and stored in the fat cells. That is why the GDA for carbohydrates is set at 270 g per day (based on a 2,000 kcal diet).

Fat

Fat consists of three fatty acids and supplies the body with energy and with the essential fatty acids we are not able to produce ourselves. Moreover, fat acts as a carrier substance for several vitamins such as A, D and E, which otherwise cannot be absorbed by the body. The GDA for fat is 70 g per day (based on a 2,000 kcal diet).

Saturated fatty acids

Same as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids are components of fat. Saturated fatty acids are not essential and can increase cholesterol levels; however, they supply energy and act as vitamin carriers, which is why the daily intake should not exceed 20 g (based on a 2,000 kcal diet).

Sugar

Technically speaking, sugar is a class of carbohydrate. Because the body can quickly absorb large amounts of energy through sugar, such as the table sugar saccharose, the daily intake should be no more than 90 g based on a 2,000 kcal diet).

Fibre

Fibres are important carbohydrates for our body. As they are almost indigestible they supply no calories. Significant is that they support digestion, are filling and absorb things like excess cholesterol. Whole-grain bread, legumes, vegetables and fruit contain many fibres. The GDA recommends a daily intake of at least 25 g (based on a 2,000 kcal diet).

Sodium

Sodium is a dietary mineral, and in combination with chloride is supplied to the body through common salt (sodium chloride NaCl). Sodium plays in important role for the water level, nutrient transport and the nervous system of our body. As sodium can foster high blood pressure in people with a relevant predisposition, it is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The GDA recommends that the daily intake of sodium and common salt should not exceed 2.4 g and 6 g respectively (based on a 2,000 kcal diet).

You can find all the nutrition information of our chocolate products in our nutrition database.