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Yes — Bran flakes M&S is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains malted barley extract, which is an industrially processed flavor-enhancing extract considered a UPF ingredient under NOVA. The remaining ingredients (wheat flakes, wheat bran, sugar, salt, and added vitamins/minerals) are not, by themselves, ultra-processed, but the presence of malted barley extract is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other breakfast cereals & bars Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Bitesize Wheat Shreds
Harvest Morn
Not UPF
Oats
Mornflake
Not UPF
organic fruits & seeds muesli
alara
Not UPF
Pecan & Almond Grain-Free Granola
The Paleo Foods Co.
Not UPF
Swiss style muesli
Alpen
Not UPF
Apple & Cinnamon Gut-Loving Porridge
Bio & Me
Not UPF
Nutty Muesli
By Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Lizis original granola nuts and seeds
Not UPF
Bitesize shredded wheat
Nestlé
Not UPF
Muesli
Alpen
Not UPF
Yes — Bran flakes M&S 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 malted barley extract, which is an industrially processed flavor-enhancing extract considered a UPF ingredient under NOVA. The remaining ingredients (wheat flakes, wheat bran, sugar, salt, and added vitamins/minerals) are not, by themselves, ultra-processed, but the presence of malted barley extract is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Bran flakes M&S as an ultra-processed marker: malted barley extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Organic bran flakes, Free From by Sainsbury's Gluten Free Bran Flakes by Sainsbury’s, Bran Flakes by Tesco Free From. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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.
This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.
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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.
