By Sainsbury's

Wheat Biscuits

Barcode 00130509

Scanned 170 times by Nomi users

Yes — Wheat Biscuits is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains malted barley extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer and is considered a UPF ingredient under the NOVA system. Other ingredients like wholegrain wheat, sugar, salt, and added vitamins/minerals are not UPF by themselves, but the presence of malted barley extract is sufficient to classify the overall product as ultra-processed.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

british wholegrain wheat

A basic cereal grain ingredient representing wholegrain wheat likely used as a primary component in flours or bakery products; not an added processing ingredient.
UPF

malted barley extract

A concentrated extract from malted barley, used as a brewing adjunct or flavoring. It may be used in foods and drinks for sweetness or malt flavor.
OK

sugar

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

salt

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

niacin (vitamin b3)

A water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient and often added to foods as a fortifying vitamin.
OK

iron

Essential mineral used as a nutrient or fortifying ingredient in foods.
OK

riboflavin (vitamin b2)

A vitamin used for fortification or nutrition enrichment; a nutrient rather than a separate food item.
OK

thiamin (vitamin b1)

A vitamin used for fortification or nutrition enrichment; a nutrient rather than a separate food item.
OK

folic acid

A B-vitamin (B9) important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation; commonly added to fortified foods and supplements.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Nestle Shredded wheat 24pk

Nestlé

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Crisps, Snacks & Nuts →

Other crisps, snacks & nuts Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Wheat Biscuits

Is Wheat Biscuits ultra-processed?

Yes — Wheat Biscuits by By Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains malted barley extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer and is considered a UPF ingredient under the NOVA system. Other ingredients like wholegrain wheat, sugar, salt, and added vitamins/minerals are not UPF by themselves, but the presence of malted barley extract is sufficient to classify the overall product as ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Wheat Biscuits are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Wheat Biscuits as an ultra-processed marker: malted barley extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Wheat Biscuits?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Nestle Shredded wheat 24pk by Nestlé. 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.