Waitrose

WR Ess Rice pops 440g

Barcode 5000169181522

Scanned 33 times by Nomi users

Yes — WR Ess Rice pops 440g is ultra-processed.

The product contains barley malt extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer. According to the provided NOVA-based rules, the presence of malted barley extract makes the product ultra-processed (UPF), even though the rest of the ingredients (rice, sugar, salt, added vitamins and minerals) are not UPF on their own.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

rice

A basic staple grain consumed worldwide, used in a wide range of dishes.
OK

sugar

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

salt

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

Barley Malt Extract

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

iron

Essential mineral used as a nutrient or fortifying ingredient in foods.
OK

niacin (vitamin b3)

A water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient and often added to foods as a fortifying vitamin.
OK

pantothenic acid

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B5) used as a nutrient fortifier or dietary supplement in fortified foods and supplements.
OK

riboflavin

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B2) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)

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

thiamine

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
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 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.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

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Common questions about WR Ess Rice pops 440g

Is WR Ess Rice pops 440g ultra-processed?

Yes — WR Ess Rice pops 440g by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains barley malt extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer. According to the provided NOVA-based rules, the presence of malted barley extract makes the product ultra-processed (UPF), even though the rest of the ingredients (rice, sugar, salt, added vitamins and minerals) are not UPF on their own.

Which ingredients in WR Ess Rice pops 440g are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in WR Ess Rice pops 440g as an ultra-processed marker: Barley Malt Extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to WR Ess Rice pops 440g?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Rice Snaps by Tesco. 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.