McVitie's

McVitie's Rich Tea The Light One (Delights)

Barcode 5000168124643

Scanned 97 times by Nomi users

Yes — McVitie's Rich Tea The Light One (Delights) is ultra-processed.

This biscuit is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods. Glucose-fructose syrup is an industrially produced refined sugar syrup, and the emulsifiers soya lecithin and E472e are functional additives not used in home cooking. Barley malt extract is also an industrial flavour enhancer. These go beyond basic culinary ingredients, so the product is classified as UPF.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour

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

sugar

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

sunflower oil

A basic edible oil pressed from sunflower seeds; common cooking oil.
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.
UPF

Barley Malt Extract

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

soy lecithin and emulsifier e472e

Food-grade emulsifiers used to improve texture and stability; soy-derived lecithin and E472e is an approved food additive.
OK

raising agents (sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate)

A mixture of leavening agents used in baking to produce carbon dioxide and lighten doughs and batters: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), ammonium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate.
OK

salt

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

Healthier alternatives

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Common questions about McVitie's Rich Tea The Light One (Delights)

Is McVitie's Rich Tea The Light One (Delights) ultra-processed?

Yes — McVitie's Rich Tea The Light One (Delights) by McVitie's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This biscuit is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods. Glucose-fructose syrup is an industrially produced refined sugar syrup, and the emulsifiers soya lecithin and E472e are functional additives not used in home cooking. Barley malt extract is also an industrial flavour enhancer. These go beyond basic culinary ingredients, so the product is classified as UPF.

Which ingredients in McVitie's Rich Tea The Light One (Delights) are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in McVitie's Rich Tea The Light One (Delights) as ultra-processed markers: glucose-fructose syrup, Barley Malt Extract, soy lecithin and emulsifier e472e. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to McVitie's Rich Tea The Light One (Delights)?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Water biscuits by Aldi. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

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.