Tower Gate

Ginger Nuts

Barcode 20018924

Scanned 31 times by Nomi users

Yes — Ginger Nuts is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial ingredients/additives including glucose-fructose syrup and palm oil, which are explicitly considered UPF. Additional processing markers include refined sugar and multiple raising agents (sodium carbonates, diphosphates). While some ingredients are basic (fortified wheat flour, sugar, semolina, ginger, salt, lemon oil), the presence of glucose-fructose syrup and palm oil is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF under NOVA.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

fortified wheat flour

Flour that has had minerals and vitamins added (calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin) to enhance nutrition; used as a baking base and staple ingredient.
OK

sugar

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

glucose-fructose syrup

A commercially produced sweet syrup made by hydrolyzing and blending glucose and fructose sugars; widely used as a sweetener in foods and beverages.
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

semolina (contains wheat)
OK

ground ginger

Powdered ginger root used as a spice and flavoring.
UPF

sodium carbonates raising agents

Leavening agents containing sodium carbonate (soda ash) used to produce carbon dioxide for doughs and batters.
OK

diphosphates; salt
UPF

lemon oil

A volatile essential oil extracted from lemon peels, used as a citrus flavoring or aroma in foods.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Duchy Organic Stem Ginger All Butter Shortbread

Waitrose,Waitrose & Partners Duchy Organic

Swap it for something less processed

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

Common questions about Ginger Nuts

Is Ginger Nuts ultra-processed?

Yes — Ginger Nuts by Tower Gate is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial ingredients/additives including glucose-fructose syrup and palm oil, which are explicitly considered UPF. Additional processing markers include refined sugar and multiple raising agents (sodium carbonates, diphosphates). While some ingredients are basic (fortified wheat flour, sugar, semolina, ginger, salt, lemon oil), the presence of glucose-fructose syrup and palm oil is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Ginger Nuts are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Ginger Nuts as ultra-processed markers: glucose-fructose syrup, palm oil, sodium carbonates raising agents, lemon oil. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Ginger Nuts?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Duchy Organic Stem Ginger All Butter Shortbread by Waitrose,Waitrose & Partners Duchy Organic, Chocolate Gingers 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.