Buenos Aires, Dec 7 (NA) -- An 85-gram alfajor provides 294 calories, according to the nutritional label found on its traditional wrapper. This type of product, available in kiosks, gas stations, and supermarkets, is one of the most consumed snacks in Argentina, and its composition is generating increasing interest from a public seeking to understand what they are ingesting.
If we stick to the label data, it reveals a high content of sugars and saturated fats, while a direct observation of the product shows a traditional structure with a white glaze, soft cookies, and a dulce de leche core. The caloric value is close to 294 calories per unit, equivalent to nearly 15% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult. These represent 23% of the suggested daily value and are one of the main factors that classify the product as an occasional food.
The sodium level, in contrast, remains relatively low at 110 milligrams per unit.
Critical Points of Alfajores
Alfajores have coatings: a white glaze with slight crystallization — typical in glazed pastry —, uniform cookies, and a thick dulce de leche or chocolate filling. Among the positive aspects, it is highlighted that the product offers a quick and accessible energy boost for physical activities or moments of immediate caloric need.
The high percentage of saturated fats also means that if consumed frequently, it can affect metabolic indicators such as LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Pros: * Quick energy boost. * Intense flavor and traditional texture. * Low sodium content compared to other snacks.
Cons: * Very high in sugars and saturated fats. * High in calories for frequent consumption. * Not recommended for low-calorie or low-sugar diets.
Additionally, it contains a moderate proportion of protein for its type (4.3 grams) and a controlled sodium level compared to other processed snacks. Among the unfavorable aspects, the sugar content is the most critical element: it far exceeds the World Health Organization's recommendation for a snack and is at levels that can contribute to excessive daily consumption without the consumer always realizing it.
