Sainsbury's

Smoked Ham and Cheddar on Malted Bread

Barcode 00238519

Scanned 11 times by Nomi users

Yes — Smoked Ham and Cheddar on Malted Bread is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives, including emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), stabiliser (sodium phosphate), antioxidant (sodium ascorbate), and preservative (sodium nitrite). These extracted or synthesized additives are characteristic of ultra-processed foods under the NOVA system.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

malted bread (fortified wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), water, malted wheat flakes, wheat bran, yeast, salt, malted barley flour)
UPF

emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids)

A food-grade emulsifier additive used to blend fats and liquids in processed foods. It comprises mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids and ester derivatives such as diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM). These are common industrially produced emulsifiers.
OK

wheat gluten

Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
OK

malted wheat flour

A refined flour produced from wheat that has been malted to convert starches into fermentable sugars, often used in baking for flavor or texture.
OK

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

ascorbic acid (flour treatment agent)

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) used as a dough conditioner to strengthen gluten structure in flour.
OK

wheat flour

Finely ground cereal flour from wheat; a fundamental baking ingredient.
OK

wheat starch

Starch extracted from wheat grain, used as a thickener, filler, or texture modifier in foods.
OK

ham (25%) (pork)
OK

water (6%)
OK

salt

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

stabiliser (sodium phosphate)
UPF

sodium ascorbate

Antioxidant additive used to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life in foods; a salt form of vitamin C.
UPF

sodium nitrite

Preservative commonly used in cured meats and processed foods; nitrite can form potentially harmful compounds under certain conditions.
OK

medium mature cheddar cheese (17%) (cows' milk)
OK

mayonnaise (water, rapeseed oil, cornflour, spirit vinegar, pasteurised free range egg yolk, concentrated lemon juice, sugar, white wine vinegar, salt, mustard seeds)

Swap it for something less processed

See all Ready Meals →

Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Smoked Ham and Cheddar on Malted Bread

Is Smoked Ham and Cheddar on Malted Bread ultra-processed?

Yes — Smoked Ham and Cheddar on Malted Bread by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives, including emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), stabiliser (sodium phosphate), antioxidant (sodium ascorbate), and preservative (sodium nitrite). These extracted or synthesized additives are characteristic of ultra-processed foods under the NOVA system.

Which ingredients in Smoked Ham and Cheddar on Malted Bread are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Smoked Ham and Cheddar on Malted Bread as ultra-processed markers: emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), sodium ascorbate, sodium nitrite. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

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.