McVities

Hobnobs Milk Chocolate

Barcode 5000168176833

Scanned 57 times by Nomi users

Yes — Hobnobs Milk Chocolate is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several NOVA ultra-processed ingredients and additives. Specifically: glucose-fructose syrup (an industrially processed sugar syrup), palm oil and palm-based vegetable fats (highly refined oils), emulsifiers such as soya lecithin and E476 (polyglycerol polyricinoleate), and added natural flavouring. These industrial formulations and additives make the overall product UPF, even though it also contains less-processed ingredients like rolled oats and wholemeal wheat flour.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

rolled oats 30%
OK

milk chocolate 25% (sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, dried skimmed milk , dried whey ( milk ), butter oil ( milk ), vegetable fats (sal and/or shea, palm), emulsifiers ( soya , lecithin, e476), natural flavouring)
OK

wholemeal wheat flour 16%
OK

sugar

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

palm oil

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

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Swap it for something less processed

See all Biscuits & Cookies →

Other biscuits & cookies Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Hobnobs Milk Chocolate

Is Hobnobs Milk Chocolate ultra-processed?

Yes — Hobnobs Milk Chocolate by McVities is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several NOVA ultra-processed ingredients and additives. Specifically: glucose-fructose syrup (an industrially processed sugar syrup), palm oil and palm-based vegetable fats (highly refined oils), emulsifiers such as soya lecithin and E476 (polyglycerol polyricinoleate), and added natural flavouring. These industrial formulations and additives make the overall product UPF, even though it also contains less-processed ingredients like rolled oats and wholemeal wheat flour.

Which ingredients in Hobnobs Milk Chocolate are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Hobnobs Milk Chocolate as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, glucose-fructose syrup. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Hobnobs Milk Chocolate?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Oat Shortbread by walkers, Oat Crumbles by Island Bakery. 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.