McVitie's

Jamaica Ginger Cake

Barcode 5000168001814

Scanned 24 times by Nomi users

Yes — Jamaica Ginger Cake is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF). The ingredient list is valid and includes several industrial ingredients and additives characteristic of NOVA Group 4, including: glucose-fructose syrup (an industrially processed sugar syrup), palm oil (a highly refined vegetable oil), humectant sorbitol, emulsifier E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), stabiliser guar gum, preservative potassium sorbate, and ginger flavouring (added flavouring). The presence of these additives and refined ingredients makes the overall product UPF according to the specified criteria.

Ingredients

7 ultra-processed markers

UPF

glucose-fructose syrup

A commercially produced sweet syrup made by hydrolyzing and blending glucose and fructose sugars; widely used as a sweetener in foods and beverages.
OK

wheat flour

A common cereal flour ground from wheat; enriched with added nutrients (calcium, iron, niacin, thiamin).
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

sugar

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

palm oil

Palm oil derived from palm fruit, used as a cooking oil and ingredient in many processed foods.
OK

rapeseed

A basic agricultural oilseed used to produce rapeseed oil; commonly pressed or extracted for cooking. Used as a culinary ingredient.
OK

humectant (sorbitol)
UPF

mono- and diglycerides (e471) emulsifier

Emulsifier derived from fatty acids (mono- and diglycerides) used to blend ingredients and improve texture in processed foods.
OK

dried whey (milk)

Powdered whey, the liquid whey component dried for use as a dairy protein and flavoring in foods.
UPF

plain caramel color

A food coloring produced by heating carbohydrates (often corn or sugar) with acids or alkalis to form a caramel color. Common in beverages and snacks.
UPF

milk protein

Protein derived from milk (e.g., whey or casein); a processed isolated protein ingredient.
OK

wheat starch

Starch extracted from wheat grain, used as a thickener, filler, or texture modifier in foods.
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.
UPF

guar gum

A plant-derived polysaccharide used as a thickener and stabiliser in a wide range of foods.
OK

dried whole egg

Dried eggs obtained by removing moisture, used as a convenient source of protein and functional binder.
OK

wheat protein

Protein derived from wheat; often used as a gluten-rich ingredient to improve dough structure.
OK

salt

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

potassium sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a widely used food preservative that inhibits the growth of molds, yeast, and some bacteria to extend shelf life.
OK

ginger flavouring

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Common questions about Jamaica Ginger Cake

Is Jamaica Ginger Cake ultra-processed?

Yes — Jamaica Ginger Cake by McVitie's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF). The ingredient list is valid and includes several industrial ingredients and additives characteristic of NOVA Group 4, including: glucose-fructose syrup (an industrially processed sugar syrup), palm oil (a highly refined vegetable oil), humectant sorbitol, emulsifier E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), stabiliser guar gum, preservative potassium sorbate, and ginger flavouring (added flavouring). The presence of these additives and refined ingredients makes the overall product UPF according to the specified criteria.

Which ingredients in Jamaica Ginger Cake are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 7 ingredients in Jamaica Ginger Cake as ultra-processed markers: glucose-fructose syrup, palm oil, mono- and diglycerides (e471) emulsifier, plain caramel color, milk protein, guar gum, potassium sorbate. 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.