Starburst

Starburst fruit chews

Barcode 4009900546249

Scanned 18 times by Nomi users

Yes — Starburst fruit chews is ultra-processed.

The product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives including glucose syrup, palm fat, citric acid and malic acid used as acidulants, modified starch, dextrin, maltodextrin, added flavourings, and emulsifier (lecithin). These are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

8 ultra-processed markers

UPF

glucose syrup

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

sugar

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

palm fat

A fat derived from the fruit of oil palm. Often a highly processed vegetable oil used in food production.
OK

concentrated fruit juices 1
OK

4%** (apple, orange, blackcurrant, strawberry, lime, lemon)
UPF

citric acid

A sour-tasting organic acid used as an acidulant and preservative in foods. Commonly added in small amounts to adjust acidity.
UPF

modified starch

Starch that has been chemically or physically modified to alter its thickening, texture, or stability properties; commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer in processed foods.
UPF

malic acid

A naturally occurring fruit acid (organic acid) used as an acidity regulator and flavoring agent in foods; often added in small amounts to adjust pH and tartness.
UPF

dextrin

A carbohydrate derived from starch, often used as a thickener or binder in foods.
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.
OK

ascorbic acid

Vitamin C; antioxidant used to prevent oxidation and preserve color and freshness in foods; a common food additive and nutrient.
OK

lecithin

A natural emulsifier commonly derived from soy, sunflower, or other seeds. Used to help blend fats with water in foods like chocolates, margarine, and bakery products.
OK

colours (anthocyanins, beta-carotene)
OK

spirulina extract

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Common questions about Starburst fruit chews

Is Starburst fruit chews ultra-processed?

Yes — Starburst fruit chews by Starburst is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives including glucose syrup, palm fat, citric acid and malic acid used as acidulants, modified starch, dextrin, maltodextrin, added flavourings, and emulsifier (lecithin). These are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in Starburst fruit chews are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 8 ingredients in Starburst fruit chews as ultra-processed markers: glucose syrup, palm fat, citric acid, modified starch, malic acid, dextrin, flavourings, maltodextrin. 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.