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Belgian blonde cooking chocolate by M & S
M & S

Belgian blonde cooking chocolate

Barcode 00471503
Scanned  27  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Belgian blonde cooking chocolate is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains yeast extract (pre-identified UPF ingredient) and other extracted or synthesized additives such as unspecified flavouring and spice extracts, which are industrial formulations according to NOVA. Basic ingredients like flours, oils, sugar, and citric acid do not change this classification, but the presence of yeast extract and added flavourings is sufficient to make it UPF.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker
  • OK
    maize flour
    Finely ground maize used as a staple ingredient in baking and cooking; a basic food commodity.
  • OK
    sunflower oil
    A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
  • OK
    rice flour
    A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
  • OK
    ground spices (cayenne pepper · cumin · paprika · ginger), dried jalapeño peppers
  • 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
    dried garlic
    Dehydrated garlic cloves ground or whole, used as a pungent seasoning with long shelf life.
  • OK
    dried onions
    Dehydrated onion flakes or powder used to impart onion flavour; essentially a preserved form of a basic vegetable.
  • UPF
    yeast extract
    A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
  • OK
    dried red peppers, spice extracts (cayenne · paprika · habanero)
  • OK
    dried lemon juice
  • OK
    citric acid
    A weak organic acid used to regulate acidity in foods; commonly produced industrially via fermentation of sugars and used as a preservative and flavor enhancer.
  • OK
    flavouring, habanero chilli powder

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

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Common questions about Belgian blonde cooking chocolate

Is Belgian blonde cooking chocolate ultra-processed?

Yes — Belgian blonde cooking chocolate by M & S is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains yeast extract (pre-identified UPF ingredient) and other extracted or synthesized additives such as unspecified flavouring and spice extracts, which are industrial formulations according to NOVA. Basic ingredients like flours, oils, sugar, and citric acid do not change this classification, but the presence of yeast extract and added flavourings is sufficient to make it UPF.

Which ingredients in Belgian blonde cooking chocolate are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Belgian blonde cooking chocolate as an ultra-processed marker: yeast extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Belgian blonde cooking chocolate?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Excellence Noir Intense 70% Cacao by Lindt, Dark chocolate by Green and black, Dark chocolate 75% by Marks & Spencer. 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.

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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.

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