Sainsbury's

Balance

Barcode 01827255

Scanned 23 times by Nomi users

Yes — Balance is ultra-processed.

The product contains barley malt extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer; according to the provided rules, this makes the product ultra-processed (UPF) even though the other ingredients are minimally processed or fortification nutrients.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

rice (71%)
OK

wheat (24%)
OK

sugar

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

Barley Malt Extract

Barley malt extract is a sweetener made from malted barley grains.
OK

salt

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

niacin (vitamin b3)

A water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient and often added to foods as a fortifying vitamin.
OK

thiamine

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

vitamin d

Fat-soluble vitamin used for fortification and dietary supplementation; commonly present in foods as a nutrient or supplement.
OK

iron

Essential mineral used as a nutrient or fortifying ingredient in foods.
OK

vitamin b12

A water-soluble B vitamin (cobalamin) used as a nutrient fortifier in foods and supplements.
OK

pantothenic acid

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B5) used as a nutrient fortifier or dietary supplement in fortified foods and supplements.
OK

riboflavin

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B2) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

folic acid

A B-vitamin (B9) important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation; commonly added to fortified foods and supplements.
OK

vitamin b6. allergy advice: for allergens
OK

including cereals containing gluten
OK

see ingredients in bold. also
OK

not suitable for customers with an allergy to peanuts
OK

nuts

A basic, whole-food ingredient consisting of kernels from various tree or bush species (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews). Rich in fats and protein.
OK

milk or oats due to manufacturing methods. great for au of us

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Other breakfast cereals & bars Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Balance

Is Balance ultra-processed?

Yes — Balance by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains barley malt extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer; according to the provided rules, this makes the product ultra-processed (UPF) even though the other ingredients are minimally processed or fortification nutrients.

Which ingredients in Balance are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Balance as an ultra-processed marker: Barley Malt Extract. 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.