Sainsbury's

Wholemeal bread

Barcode 00280457

Scanned 58 times by Nomi users

Yes — Wholemeal bread is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and ingredients characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods. These include: an emulsifier (mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), a preservative (calcium propionate), and palm oil, all of which are explicitly considered UPF ingredients. The rest of the ingredients (wholemeal flour, water, yeast, rapeseed oil, salt, vinegar, soya flour, caramelised sugar, ascorbic acid) are not ultra-processed on their own, but the presence of the listed additives makes the overall product UPF according to the given criteria.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

wholemeal wheat flour

A coarse, whole-grain flour ground from the entire wheat kernel, used as a basic baking ingredient.
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
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

yeast

A living microorganism used as a leavening agent in baking.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

salt

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

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
OK

soy flour

A basic single-ingredient flour made from soybeans, used as a gluten-free flour option with high protein content.
OK

caramelised sugar

A sugar that has been heated to develop a caramel flavor and color; essentially a processed form of sugar.
UPF

emulsifier: mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; preservative: calcium propionate; palm oil

A combined ingredient listing including an emulsifier (DATEM - mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), a preservative (calcium propionate), and a basic vegetable oil (palm oil).
OK

ascorbic acid (vitamin c) used as flour treatment agent

Ascorbic acid added to flour as a processing agent to improve dough strength and flour performance; commonly used as a bakery additive.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Sourdough Wholemeal Ciabattin

Jason's

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Breads & Wraps →

Other breads & wraps Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Wholemeal bread

Is Wholemeal bread ultra-processed?

Yes — Wholemeal bread 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 several industrial additives and ingredients characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods. These include: an emulsifier (mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), a preservative (calcium propionate), and palm oil, all of which are explicitly considered UPF ingredients. The rest of the ingredients (wholemeal flour, water, yeast, rapeseed oil, salt, vinegar, soya flour, caramelised sugar, ascorbic acid) are not ultra-processed on their own, but the presence of the listed additives makes the overall product UPF according to the given criteria.

Which ingredients in Wholemeal bread are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Wholemeal bread as an ultra-processed marker: emulsifier: mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; preservative: calcium propionate; palm oil. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Wholemeal bread?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Sourdough Wholemeal Ciabattin by Jason's. 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.