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Yes — Golden Syrup is ultra-processed.
The ingredient list is valid but the product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) according to NOVA because it contains partially inverted refiners syrup, which is an industrially processed inverted sugar syrup. Such extracted and chemically processed sugars are considered ultra-processed ingredients.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other cooking & baking Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Organic Strong White Bread Flour imp
Doves Farm
Not UPF
100% Pure Maple Syrup
Maple Crest
Not UPF
Sugar
Silver spoon,
Not UPF
Paxo natural breadcrumbs
Paxo
Not UPF
Canadian Amber Maple Syrup
Waitrose
Not UPF
Light brown soft sugar
Tesco
Not UPF
The pantry Baking powder
Aldi
Not UPF
White Breadcrumbs
Tesco
Not UPF
Multiseed Bread Mix
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Baking Powder
Tesco - Stockwell & Co
Not UPF
Yes — Golden Syrup by By Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid but the product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) according to NOVA because it contains partially inverted refiners syrup, which is an industrially processed inverted sugar syrup. Such extracted and chemically processed sugars are considered ultra-processed ingredients.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Golden Syrup as an ultra-processed marker: partially inverted refiners syrup. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Canadian Maple Syrup by Specially Selected, Pure Canadian Maple Syrup by Sainsbury's, Canadian Amber Maple Syrup by Waitrose. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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.
This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.
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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.