McVitie's

Hobnobs

Barcode 5000168034928

Scanned 56 times by Nomi users

Yes — Hobnobs is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrially processed ingredients and additives, specifically palm oil (a highly refined oil) and partially inverted sugar syrup (an industrially processed sugar syrup). These ingredients place the product in the NOVA ultra-processed foods category, even though it also contains minimally processed ingredients like rolled oats and wholemeal wheat flour.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

rolled oats (40%)
OK

wholemeal wheat flour (24%)
UPF

palm oil

Refined vegetable oil extracted from palm fruit; common culinary oil.
OK

sugar

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

partially inverted sugar syrup

A syrup in which sucrose has been partially inverted into glucose and fructose; produced via acid or enzymatic treatment; used as a sweetener and humectant in foods; typically industrially processed.
OK

raising agents (sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate)

Leavening agents used to make dough rise; typical food additives in baking.
OK

salt

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

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Common questions about Hobnobs

Is Hobnobs ultra-processed?

Yes — Hobnobs by McVitie's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrially processed ingredients and additives, specifically palm oil (a highly refined oil) and partially inverted sugar syrup (an industrially processed sugar syrup). These ingredients place the product in the NOVA ultra-processed foods category, even though it also contains minimally processed ingredients like rolled oats and wholemeal wheat flour.

Which ingredients in Hobnobs are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Hobnobs as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, partially inverted sugar syrup. 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.