M&S

Vanilla Sprinkle Cake

Barcode 29448180

Yes — Vanilla Sprinkle Cake is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including: humectant: glycerol, raising agent: E450, glucose syrup, emulsifier: E481, E471, and E475. These are extracted, isolated, or synthesized additives used to modify texture, shelf-life, and structure, which fits the NOVA definition of ultra-processed foods. While many other ingredients are basic culinary items (sugar, butter, wheat flour, eggs, etc.), the presence of these UPF ingredients is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

sugar

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

butter (milk)

A dairy fat product made from churning cream; commonly used in cooking and baking.
OK

wheat flour

Ground wheat used as a basic baking/ cooking staple. A single-ingredient cereal product.
OK

pasteurised egg

A basic animal-derived food ingredient from eggs. Used as a protein source in dishes.
OK

raspberry jam (6%) (sugar, raspberry purée)
OK

gelling agent: pectin (from fruit)
OK

citric acid

A naturally occurring weak organic acid used as an acidity regulator and preservative in foods and beverages.
OK

acidity regulator: e331 (iii)
OK

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

wheat starch

Starch extracted from wheat grain, used as a thickener, filler, or texture modifier in foods.
OK

buttermilk

A dairy product produced by culture or fermentation of milk; a liquid with mild tang and fat, used as a baking liquid or beverage.
UPF

glycerol (glycerin)

A sugar alcohol used as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener in foods; often added to retain moisture.
OK

dried skimmed milk

Dried skimmed milk is powdered milk with fat removed, used as a dairy ingredient to provide protein and calcium.
UPF

e450 (diphosphates)

A synthetic or processed leavening agent used to produce gas in doughs and batters; commonly a mixture of diphosphates.
OK

sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda; a basic leavening agent used in baking and cooking.
OK

salt

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

glucose syrup

A processed syrup made from starch (usually corn) consisting mainly of glucose; commonly used as a sweetener and thickener.
OK

emulsifier: e481
UPF

mono- and diglycerides

A common food additive used as an emulsifier made from glycerides of fatty acids; often derived from vegetable fats. It helps improve texture and shelf-life.
UPF

polyglycerol polyricinoleate (pgpr) / emulsifier e475

Industrial food additive used as an emulsifier to improve texture and stability in chocolates, spreads, and bakery products.
OK

natural colour: beetroot red
OK

curcumin

Active component of turmeric; a yellow pigment used as a spice and colorant.
OK

anthocyanins (from red cabbage)
OK

rowan extract
OK

madagascan vanilla extract
OK

glazing agent: beeswax
OK

coconut oil. fortified with calcium
OK

iron

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

niacin (b3) and thiamin (b1)

Vitamins used for fortification in food products.

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Common questions about Vanilla Sprinkle Cake

Is Vanilla Sprinkle Cake ultra-processed?

Yes — Vanilla Sprinkle Cake by M&S 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 several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including: humectant: glycerol, raising agent: E450, glucose syrup, emulsifier: E481, E471, and E475. These are extracted, isolated, or synthesized additives used to modify texture, shelf-life, and structure, which fits the NOVA definition of ultra-processed foods. While many other ingredients are basic culinary items (sugar, butter, wheat flour, eggs, etc.), the presence of these UPF ingredients is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.

Which ingredients in Vanilla Sprinkle Cake are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Vanilla Sprinkle Cake as ultra-processed markers: glycerol (glycerin), e450 (diphosphates), glucose syrup, mono- and diglycerides, polyglycerol polyricinoleate (pgpr) / emulsifier e475. 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.