Parle-G Glucose Biscuit
Parle-G is an ultra-processed glucose biscuit made primarily from refined wheat flour, sugar, and refined palm oil [1]. Its high sugar content of 25.
Why this verdict
Context-dependent. Not an automatic no, but the watch points matter if this is a frequent buy.
This card is the decision shortcut. The detailed evidence and citations live in the six-axis cards below.
5g of added sugar in a small 25g serving (5 biscuits). This represents a significant portion of the WHO's recommended daily limit of 25g of free sugars [2, 5].
Classified as NOVA 4 (ultra-processed food) due to its industrial formulation of refined flour, sugars, oils, and additives like emulsifiers and artificial flavours [3].
Contains refined palm oil, a fat high in saturated fatty acids. The product is free of trans fats as per its declaration [1].
Sodium content is 395mg per 100g, which is moderate and unlikely to be a major concern in a typical serving size.
The prominent "Glucose" branding creates a health halo, implying a source of direct energy. While technically true, this masks the reality of it being a high-sugar, low-fibre, ultra-processed product [4].
Parle-G has a long, multi-decade history with no significant FSSAI recalls, major court cases, or regulatory controversies reported in mainstream media [4].
Per 100 g
| Energy | 451 kcal⚑ per 100g |
| Protein | 6.5 g⚑ per 100g |
| Total Fat | 12.5 g⚑ per 100g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0 g⚑ per 100g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g⚑ per 100g |
| Carbohydrate | 78.0 g⚑ per 100g |
| Total Sugars | 25.5 g⚑ per 100g |
| Added Sugars | 8.5 g⚑ per 25g serving |
| Sodium | 395 mg⚑ per 100g |
As declared on pack
Refined Wheat Flour (Maida) (66.8%), Sugar, Refined Palm Oil, Invert Sugar Syrup [Sugar, Citric Acid], Raising Agents [503(ii), 500(ii)], Iodised Salt, Milk Solids, Emulsifier [di-acetyl tartaric acid esters of mono and di-glycerides of edible vegetable oils] and Dough Conditioner [223]. CONTAINS ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURS (VANILLA).
- January 1938Parle-G launched as 'Parle Gluco' [Source ↗]parleproducts.com · [1]
- January 1982Re-branded from 'Parle Gluco' to 'Parle-G' [Source ↗]The Economic Times · [4]
- January 2013Parle-G becomes the first FMCG brand in India to cross Rs 5,000 crore in retail sales [Source ↗]The Economic Times · [4]
- May 2015WHO releases its guideline on sugar intake, recommending adults and children reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake. [Source ↗]who.int · [2]
- March 2020Reports emerge of Parle recording its best sales in decades during the COVID-19 lockdown [Source ↗]The Economic Times · [4]
- May 2024ICMR releases updated 'Dietary Guidelines for Indians' highlighting the negative health impacts of ultra-processed foods. [Source ↗]icmr.gov.in · [5]
Sources of truth
- [1]Parle-G BiscuitsParle Products
- [2]Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and childrenWorld Health Organization (WHO)
- [3]The UN Decade of Nutrition, the NOVA food classification and the trouble with ultra-processingCambridge University Press
- [4]The biscuit that built a nation: A journey of Parle-GThe Economic Times
- [5]Dietary Guidelines for Indians - 2024Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
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