McVities

Gold

Barcode 5000168218663

Scanned 15 times by Nomi users

Yes — Gold is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because the ingredient list contains several industrial additives and refined ingredients characteristic of NOVA Group 4 foods. In particular, it includes palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), emulsifier (soya lecithin), natural flavouring, partially inverted sugar syrup, and glucose syrup—all of which are industrial formulations or additives, not basic culinary ingredients. These ingredients are used to modify texture, flavor, and shelf life, which is typical of UPFs.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

caramel flavour coating (70%) [sugar
UPF

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

drie whole milk
UPF

glucose syrup

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

dried whey (milk)

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

dried skimmed milk

Dried skimmed milk is powdered milk with fat removed, used as a dairy ingredient to provide protein and calcium.
UPF

Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)

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

colours (carotenes, paprika extract)
UPF

natural flavouring

A generic flavoring ingredient derived from natural sources used to impart aroma or taste; may include essential oils or extracts.
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

crisped rice [rice flour
OK

wheat flour

Finely ground cereal flour from wheat; a fundamental baking ingredient.
OK

malted barley flour

Flour made from barley that has undergone malting to convert starches into fermentable sugars, often used in bread and beer production.
OK

salt

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

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

emulsifier (sep lecithin)]
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, tartaric acid, malic acid)

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Common questions about Gold

Is Gold ultra-processed?

Yes — Gold by McVities is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because the ingredient list contains several industrial additives and refined ingredients characteristic of NOVA Group 4 foods. In particular, it includes palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), emulsifier (soya lecithin), natural flavouring, partially inverted sugar syrup, and glucose syrup—all of which are industrial formulations or additives, not basic culinary ingredients. These ingredients are used to modify texture, flavor, and shelf life, which is typical of UPFs.

Which ingredients in Gold are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Gold as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, glucose syrup, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), natural flavouring, 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.