Is Bahlsen Ultra-Processed (UPF)?

Bahlsen

Barcode 4017100207136

Scanned 81 times by Nomi users

Yes — Bahlsen is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including glucose syrup (an industrially processed sugar), emulsifier lecithins, unspecified flavourings, and the raising agents (sodium carbonates, diphosphates). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and indicate an ultra-processed formulation under NOVA.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

sugar

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

wheat flour (26%)
OK

cocoa butter

A fat extracted from cocoa beans, used in chocolate, cosmetics, and baking as a fat component.
OK

cocoa mass

Ground or melted cocoa beans; pure cocoa solids used for chocolate making.
OK

Skimmed Milk Powder

Skimmed milk powder is made by removing water from pasteurized skim milk.
OK

butter (3.7%)
OK

clarified butter
UPF

glucose syrup

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

lactose

A disaccharide sugar derived from milk (glucose + galactose). Common dairy carbohydrate.
OK

whey (milk) products

Dairy byproduct from cheese production, containing whey protein and lactose. Commonly used as a supplement or ingredient in foods.
UPF

sodium carbonates raising agents

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

diphosphates; whole milk powder
OK

salt

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

emulsifier: lecithins; flavourings
OK

citric acid

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

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Swap it for something less processed

See all Biscuits & Cookies →

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

Common questions about Bahlsen

Is Bahlsen ultra-processed?

Yes — Bahlsen by Bahlsen is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including glucose syrup (an industrially processed sugar), emulsifier lecithins, unspecified flavourings, and the raising agents (sodium carbonates, diphosphates). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and indicate an ultra-processed formulation under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Bahlsen are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Bahlsen as ultra-processed markers: glucose syrup, sodium carbonates raising agents. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Bahlsen?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Oat Crumbles 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.