Sainsbury’s

Water Biscuits

Barcode 00135337

Scanned 32 times by Nomi users

Yes — Water Biscuits is ultra-processed.

Product contains palm oil and glucose syrup, both considered ultra-processed ingredients under NOVA, so the biscuits are classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

fortified wheat flour

Refined wheat flour fortified with vitamins and minerals (typical in bread, cereals, and baked goods).
UPF

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

salt

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

glucose syrup

A processed syrup made from starch (usually corn) consisting mainly of glucose; commonly used as a sweetener and thickener.
OK

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

Sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as baking soda, is a common leavening agent used in baking. It reacts with acidic ingredients to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps dough or batter rise.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Poppy Seed Sourdough Crackers

Peter’s Yard

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Not Ultra-Processed

Rye Sourdough Crackers

Tesco

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Swap it for something less processed

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Other crackers & crispbreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Water Biscuits

Is Water Biscuits ultra-processed?

Yes — Water Biscuits by Sainsbury’s is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Product contains palm oil and glucose syrup, both considered ultra-processed ingredients under NOVA, so the biscuits are classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Which ingredients in Water Biscuits are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Water Biscuits as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, glucose syrup. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Water Biscuits?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Poppy Seed Sourdough Crackers by Peter’s Yard, Rye Sourdough Crackers 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.