M&S Bakery

Wholemeal Farmhouse Loaf

Barcode 00982184

Scanned 34 times by Nomi users

Yes — Wholemeal Farmhouse Loaf is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several NOVA UPF indicators: palm oil (a highly refined oil), emulsifier E472e, caramelised sugar syrup, and vitamin D yeast (an added, isolated nutrient in a specific ingredient). These are industrial additives or industrially processed ingredients used for texture, shelf life, or fortification beyond basic culinary processing.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

wholemeal wheatflour (contains gluten)
OK

water

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

malted wheatflakes (contains gluten)
OK

yeast

Microorganism used as a leavening agent in baking; may include vitamin D-enriched yeast.
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

wheat bran (contains gluten)
OK

rye bran (contains gluten)
OK

malted barley flour

Flour made from barley malted to improve fermentation; contains gluten.
OK

salt

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

vinegar

A sour-tasting liquid produced by fermentation, widely used as a condiment and preservative.
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

wheat flour (contains gluten)

Ground wheat flour; contains gluten. Includes added minerals/vitamins as part of enrichment.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

soy flour

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

rapeseed oil

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

emulsifier: e472e
UPF

caramelised sugar syrup

A syrup derived from sugar heated to create caramelization; a processed sugars product commonly used as a sweetener or flavoring.
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 Farmhouse Loaf

Is Wholemeal Farmhouse Loaf ultra-processed?

Yes — Wholemeal Farmhouse Loaf by M&S Bakery is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several NOVA UPF indicators: palm oil (a highly refined oil), emulsifier E472e, caramelised sugar syrup, and vitamin D yeast (an added, isolated nutrient in a specific ingredient). These are industrial additives or industrially processed ingredients used for texture, shelf life, or fortification beyond basic culinary processing.

Which ingredients in Wholemeal Farmhouse Loaf are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Wholemeal Farmhouse Loaf as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, caramelised sugar syrup. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Wholemeal Farmhouse Loaf?

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.