Tesco

Water Biscuits

Barcode 5000119014436

Scanned 36 times by Nomi users

Yes — Water Biscuits is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains palm oil and glucose syrup. Palm oil is a highly refined industrial oil and is treated as a UPF ingredient. Glucose syrup is an industrially extracted and processed sugar. The presence of any such industrial additives or refined ingredients classifies the product as UPF under NOVA.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour

A basic flour ground from wheat, often enriched with added minerals and vitamins.
UPF

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
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

sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

A leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide when reacting with an acid in baking; commonly used in doughs and baked goods.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Poppy Seed Sourdough Crackers

Peter’s Yard

View product →

Not Ultra-Processed

Rye Sourdough Crackers

Tesco

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Crackers & Crispbreads →

Other crackers & crispbreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Water Biscuits

Is Water Biscuits ultra-processed?

Yes — Water Biscuits by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains palm oil and glucose syrup. Palm oil is a highly refined industrial oil and is treated as a UPF ingredient. Glucose syrup is an industrially extracted and processed sugar. The presence of any such industrial additives or refined ingredients classifies the product as UPF under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Water Biscuits are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Water Biscuits as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, glucose syrup. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Water Biscuits?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Poppy Seed Sourdough Crackers by Peter’s Yard, Rye Sourdough Crackers by Tesco. 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.