Waitrose

Olive Spread

Barcode 5000169036440

Scanned 21 times by Nomi users

Yes — Olive Spread is ultra-processed.

Contains several ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, sunflower lecithin, sodium alginate, potassium sorbate, flavouring, and whey powder in an industrial formulation. These classify it as an ultra-processed food under NOVA.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

olive oil 21%
OK

rapeseed oil

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

salt 1.1%
OK

whey powder

Powder derived from whey, the liquid byproduct of cheese production, rich in whey proteins and commonly used as a protein supplement or functional ingredient.
OK

mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids
UPF

sunflower lecithin

A phospholipid-rich emulsifier extracted from sunflower seeds, used to improve texture and prevent separation in products.
OK

sodium alginate
UPF

potassium sorbate

A widely used food preservative that inhibits mold and yeast growth in a variety of foods and beverages.
OK

lactic acid

A naturally occurring organic acid used as an acidity regulator and flavoring in foods.
OK

vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)

Essential water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient supplement and fortificant in foods and dietary supplements.
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
UPF

carotenes

A group of carotenoid pigments used as a natural colorant; provides orange-yellow coloration.
OK

folic acid

A B-vitamin (B9) important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation; commonly added to fortified foods and supplements.
OK

vitamin a

Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immunity, and cell function; commonly used as a dietary supplement or fortifying agent.
OK

vitamin d

Fat-soluble vitamin used for fortification and dietary supplementation; commonly present in foods as a nutrient or supplement.
OK

vitamin b12

A water-soluble B vitamin (cobalamin) used as a nutrient fortifier in foods and supplements.

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Common questions about Olive Spread

Is Olive Spread ultra-processed?

Yes — Olive Spread by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Contains several ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, sunflower lecithin, sodium alginate, potassium sorbate, flavouring, and whey powder in an industrial formulation. These classify it as an ultra-processed food under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Olive Spread are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Olive Spread as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, sunflower lecithin, potassium sorbate, flavouring, carotenes. 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.