Vanilla Ice Cream

Barcode 5000128710992

Yes — Vanilla Ice Cream is ultra-processed.

Not a great choice for everyday.

This vanilla ice cream is ultra-processed because it contains glucose syrup and dextrose, which are industrially extracted and processed sugars. It also contains flavourings, an emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), and stabilisers (guar gum and locust bean gum), which are industrial additives used to formulate and maintain the product's texture and stability. Coconut oil is a refined oil, but the listed glucose syrup, dextrose, flavourings, emulsifier, and stabilisers are sufficient to classify the product as UPF.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

UPF

vanilla flavour ice cream made with ground vanilla pods. water as an ingredient

A vanilla-flavored ice cream, typically made from dairy or plant-based bases with water as a component; a ready-to-eat processed dessert.
OK

skimmed milk concentrate

A dairy ingredient produced by removing water from skim milk to increase solids; used to add milk solids and dairy flavor in foods.
UPF

glucose syrup

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

coconut oil

Oil pressed from mature coconuts, used for cooking and baking.
OK

sugar

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

dextrose

A simple sugar derived from glucose. Commonly used as a sweetener and source of quick energy in foods.
OK

vegetarian whey powder (milk)

Whey powder derived from milk, a powdered dairy ingredient used for fortification or as a protein supplement.
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

emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids from vegetable sources)

An emulsifying fat-based additive made from mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, typically used to improve texture and stability.
OK

stabilisers (guar gum, locust bean gum)

A group of hydrocolloid stabilisers used to improve texture and prevent separation in foods. Contains guar gum and locust bean gum.
OK

ground vanilla pods

Ground vanilla beans used for flavoring; a traditional spice derived from vanilla pods.
OK

colours (beetroot red, carotenes). allergy advice

Natural and/or synthetic colour additives used to impart color; beetroot red is a natural pigment and carotenes refer to vitamin A precursors.

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Common questions about Vanilla Ice Cream

Is Vanilla Ice Cream ultra-processed?

Yes — Vanilla Ice Cream is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This vanilla ice cream is ultra-processed because it contains glucose syrup and dextrose, which are industrially extracted and processed sugars. It also contains flavourings, an emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), and stabilisers (guar gum and locust bean gum), which are industrial additives used to formulate and maintain the product's texture and stability. Coconut oil is a refined oil, but the listed glucose syrup, dextrose, flavourings, emulsifier, and stabilisers are sufficient to classify the product as UPF.

Which ingredients in Vanilla Ice Cream are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Vanilla Ice Cream as ultra-processed markers: vanilla flavour ice cream made with ground vanilla pods. water as an ingredient, glucose syrup, dextrose, flavourings, emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids from vegetable sources). 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.