Sainsbury's

Rice Pops

Barcode 000000251303

Scanned 22 times by Nomi users

Yes — Rice Pops is ultra-processed.

Not an everyday choice because it contains an industrially processed extract.

Rice Pops are classified as ultra-processed because they contain malted barley extract, an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer. Sugar, salt, rice, and the added vitamins and minerals do not independently make the product ultra-processed.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

rice

A basic staple grain consumed worldwide, used in a wide range of dishes.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
UPF

Barley Malt Extract

Barley malt extract is a sweetener made from malted barley grains.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
OK

vitamins and minerals mix (niacin, iron, thiamin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, vitamin b6, folic acid, vitamin d, vitamin b12)

A blend of essential vitamins and minerals typically added to foods or supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies. This mixture functions as a nutrient source in fortified products.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Swap it for something less processed

See all Breakfast Cereals & Bars →

Other breakfast cereals & bars Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Rice Pops

Is Rice Pops ultra-processed?

Yes — Rice Pops by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Rice Pops are classified as ultra-processed because they contain malted barley extract, an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer. Sugar, salt, rice, and the added vitamins and minerals do not independently make the product ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Rice Pops are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Rice Pops as an ultra-processed marker: Barley Malt Extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Rice Pops?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Rice Snaps by Tesco. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.