McVitie's,McVities

Jaffa cakes

Barcode 5000168040097

Scanned 42 times by Nomi users

Yes — Jaffa cakes is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including dextrose, glucose syrup, acid (citric acid), acidity regulator (sodium citrates), and emulsifier (soya lecithin). These are extracted, refined, or synthesized additives typical of ultra-processed foods under the NOVA classification system.

Ingredients

9 ultra-processed markers

OK

sugar

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

wheat flour

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

whole egg

A whole chicken egg including yolk and white, used as a binding, enriching, and leavening ingredient in many recipes.
OK

water

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

dextrose

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

orange juice concentrate

Juice from oranges with water removed to concentrate sugars and flavors.
UPF

glucose syrup

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

sunflower oil

Oil extracted from sunflower seeds, used as a basic cooking fat.
OK

palm

A basic vegetable fat derived from the fruit of oil palms commonly used as a cooking oil; non-animal, widely used in foods.
UPF

glycerin (glycerol)

A humectant used to retain moisture in foods and to improve texture; often added as a sweetener or stabilizer.
UPF

citric acid

A sour-tasting organic acid used as an acidulant and preservative in foods. Commonly added in small amounts to adjust acidity.
UPF

pectin

Natural polysaccharide extracted from plant cell walls used as a gelling agent in jams, jellies, and confectionery.
OK

raising agents (disodium diphosphate, ammonium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate)

A blend of leavening compounds used to release gases in doughs and batters, enabling rising. Includes disodium diphosphate, ammonium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate.
OK

dried whole egg

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

sodium citrate

A basic acidity regulator used to adjust pH and act as an emulsifier or buffering agent in foods.
UPF

natural orange flavouring

Flavor extract derived from natural orange sources used to impart orange aroma and taste.
UPF

curcumin (color)

Orange-yellow natural pigment extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa), used as a food colourant.
UPF

Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

Soya lecithin is a natural emulsifier derived from soybeans, used to improve the texture and shelf life of food products.

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Common questions about Jaffa cakes

Is Jaffa cakes ultra-processed?

Yes — Jaffa cakes by McVitie's,McVities is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including dextrose, glucose syrup, acid (citric acid), acidity regulator (sodium citrates), and emulsifier (soya lecithin). These are extracted, refined, or synthesized additives typical of ultra-processed foods under the NOVA classification system.

Which ingredients in Jaffa cakes are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 9 ingredients in Jaffa cakes as ultra-processed markers: dextrose, glucose syrup, glycerin (glycerol), citric acid, pectin, sodium citrate, natural orange flavouring, curcumin (color), Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin). 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.