Maltesers

maltesers

Barcode 5000159530736

Scanned 43 times by Nomi users

Yes — maltesers is ultra-processed.

Classified as UPF because the ingredient list includes several ultra-processed ingredients and additives such as glucose syrup (industrially processed sugar), barley malt extract (industrially processed extract/flavor enhancer), palm fat and palm kernel oil (highly refined oils), emulsifiers (soya lecithin, E492), and gelling/thickening agents like pectins. These industrial formulations and additives make the product ultra-processed under NOVA.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

sugar

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

skimmed milk powder and cocoa butter

A dairy-derived powder (skimmed milk) combined with cocoa butter used in confectionery and dairy products.
UPF

glucose syrup

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

Barley Malt Extract

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

palm fat

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

lactose and whey protein from milk

A dairy-derived ingredient combining lactose with whey-based protein.
OK

whey powder (from milk)

Dairy-derived protein powder obtained from milk; used as a protein supplement and in cheese production contexts.
UPF

emulsifiers (soy lecithin, e492)

Emulsifiers used to stabilize mixtures in processed foods; soy lecithin is a common food ingredient; E492 refers to a glycolized emulsifier.
OK

fat wheat flour

Wheat flour with added fat to increase energy density; used in baking. Depending on formulation could contain fat.
OK

palm kernel fat

A fat derived from the kernels of oil palms used as a basic culinary fat in foods.
OK

palm kernel oil

Edible oil extracted from palm kernels, commonly used for frying, cooking, and as an ingredient in processed foods.
UPF

food additives e341, e500, e501

A set of inorganic food additives (sodium phosphate E341, sodium carbonate E500, potassium carbonate E501) used as leavening, buffering, or anticaking agents in foods.
OK

wheat gluten

Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
OK

gelling agent (pectins)

Pectin-based gelling agent used to thicken or set foods, derived from fruit. Common in jams, jellies, and desserts.
OK

natural vanilla extract

Vanilla extract used as a traditional flavoring agent in foods; typically not considered ultra-processed when used in conventional culinary amounts.

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Common questions about maltesers

Is maltesers ultra-processed?

Yes — maltesers by Maltesers is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as UPF because the ingredient list includes several ultra-processed ingredients and additives such as glucose syrup (industrially processed sugar), barley malt extract (industrially processed extract/flavor enhancer), palm fat and palm kernel oil (highly refined oils), emulsifiers (soya lecithin, E492), and gelling/thickening agents like pectins. These industrial formulations and additives make the product ultra-processed under NOVA.

Which ingredients in maltesers are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in maltesers as ultra-processed markers: glucose syrup, Barley Malt Extract, palm fat, emulsifiers (soy lecithin, e492), food additives e341, e500, e501. 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.