M&S

Shortbread

Barcode 29336708

Scanned 9 times by Nomi users

No — Shortbread is not ultra-processed.

The ingredients are basic culinary components: wheat flour (with mineral/vitamin fortification), butter, sugar, cornflour, rice flour, salt, and thiamin. There are no industrial additives such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, artificial sweeteners, industrial syrups, flavorings, or refined specialty oils like palm fruit oil. According to the given NOVA-based rules, this would not be classified as an ultra-processed food.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour

A basic flour derived from wheat, containing gluten; used as a primary baking ingredient.
OK

thiamine

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

butter (milk) (34%) sugar
OK

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
OK

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
OK

salt

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

More in Biscuits & Cookies

See all Biscuits & Cookies →

Other biscuits & cookies products Nomi has analysed ingredient by ingredient.

Common questions about Shortbread

Is Shortbread ultra-processed?

No — Shortbread by M&S is not ultra-processed, so it is not a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredients are basic culinary components: wheat flour (with mineral/vitamin fortification), butter, sugar, cornflour, rice flour, salt, and thiamin. There are no industrial additives such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, artificial sweeteners, industrial syrups, flavorings, or refined specialty oils like palm fruit oil. According to the given NOVA-based rules, this would not be classified as an ultra-processed food.

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.