Ashfields

BBQ brisket

Barcode 4088600560403

Yes — BBQ brisket is ultra-processed.

Contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA, including maltodextrin, stabiliser (diphosphates), yeast extract, flavouring, caramel powder (processed caramelised sugar syrup with maltodextrin), fructose, barley malt extract, glucose syrup, smoke flavouring, and preservative (sodium nitrite). These are industrial formulations or additives beyond basic culinary ingredients, so the product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

beef brisket
OK

brown sugar

Unrefined or partially refined sugar with molasses giving a brown color and distinctive flavor; a basic sweetener.
OK

sugar

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

salt

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

maitodextrin
OK

stabiliser: diphosphates; onions
OK

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.
OK

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
OK

demerara sugar

Demerara sugar is a coarse-grained brown sugar derived from the cane sugar refining process.
UPF

yeast extract

A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
OK

tomato

A round, red fruit commonly used as a vegetable in cooking. Mostly water with sugars, fiber, and micronutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
OK

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
OK

herbs

A general category of culinary herbs (fresh or dried leaves) used to flavor dishes.
OK

smoked salt

Salt cured with smoke, often infused with smoky flavor. Used as a seasoning.
OK

caramel powder (caramelised sugar syrup, maltodextrin)
OK

fructose

A simple sugar derived from fruit and honey; a monosaccharide commonly used as a sweetener.
UPF

Barley Malt Extract

Barley malt extract is a sweetener made from malted barley grains.
UPF

glucose syrup

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

smoke flavouring

A flavoring agent used to impart smoky aroma or taste in foods. Often an extract or additive designed to mimic smoky flavors.
OK

acid: citric acid; lemon oil
OK

preservative: sodium nitrite; potato starch

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Common questions about BBQ brisket

Is BBQ brisket ultra-processed?

Yes — BBQ brisket by Ashfields is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA, including maltodextrin, stabiliser (diphosphates), yeast extract, flavouring, caramel powder (processed caramelised sugar syrup with maltodextrin), fructose, barley malt extract, glucose syrup, smoke flavouring, and preservative (sodium nitrite). These are industrial formulations or additives beyond basic culinary ingredients, so the product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Which ingredients in BBQ brisket are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in BBQ brisket as ultra-processed markers: yeast extract, flavouring, Barley Malt Extract, glucose syrup, smoke flavouring. 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.