Nairn's

Oaties

Barcode 0612322030209

Scanned 40 times by Nomi users

Yes — Oaties is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients/additives: sustainable palm fruit oil (highly refined oil), emulsifier lecithins, natural vanilla flavouring, and partially inverted refiners syrup / golden syrup, all of which are UPF markers under NOVA.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

gluten free wholegrain oats (60%)

Oats that are processed to be gluten-free and made from wholegrain oats; commonly used in porridge and granola.
UPF

palm fruit oil

Oil extracted from the fruits of oil palm; a highly processed vegetable oil used in cooking and processed foods.
OK

dark chocolate chips (13%) (sugar, cocoa mass, cocoa butter)
UPF

lecithin (soy)

Soy lecithin is a refined emulsifier extracted from soybeans, used to improve texture and mix ingredients. It is an extracted additive.
OK

natural vanilla flavouring

Natural vanilla flavoring used to impart vanilla aroma in foods; typically derived from vanilla beans.
OK

sugar

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

partially inverted refiners syrup; lyles golden syrup

A processed sugar syrup produced by partial inversion of sucrose, often used as a sweetener.
OK

tapioca starch

Starch extracted from cassava (tapioca root), used as a thickener and binder.
OK

sodium carbonate (raising agent)

A basic leavening agent used in baking to produce carbon dioxide and help dough rise.
OK

sea salt

A basic mineral-rich salt derived from evaporated seawater, used as a seasoning and preservative.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Swap it for something less processed

See all Biscuits & Cookies →

Other biscuits & cookies Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Oaties

Is Oaties ultra-processed?

Yes — Oaties by Nairn's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients/additives: sustainable palm fruit oil (highly refined oil), emulsifier lecithins, natural vanilla flavouring, and partially inverted refiners syrup / golden syrup, all of which are UPF markers under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Oaties are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Oaties as ultra-processed markers: palm fruit oil, lecithin (soy), partially inverted refiners syrup; lyles golden syrup. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Oaties?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Oat Shortbread by walkers, Oat Crumbles by Island Bakery. 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.