Waitrose

Flatbread

Barcode 5000169599044

Scanned 29 times by Nomi users

Yes — Flatbread is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and formulations, including a stabiliser (sodium carboxy methyl cellulose) and a preservative (calcium propionate). These ingredients are characteristic of NOVA Group 4 ultra-processed foods. Other ingredients like refined wheat flour, oils, yeast, and basic raising agents alone would not make it UPF, but the presence of these additives does.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour

A basic flour ground from wheat, often enriched with added minerals and vitamins.
OK

water

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

rapeseed oil

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

yeast

A living microorganism used as a leavening agent in baking.
OK

extra virgin olive oil

High-quality olive oil obtained from cold-pressed olives; typically used as a cooking oil or flavoring.
OK

wheat gluten

Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
OK

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
UPF

raising agents (baking powders)

A mix of leavening agents used to make dough rise; includes phosphates and carbonate salts.
UPF

sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (cmc) stabiliser

A food additive used as a thickener and stabiliser derived from cellulose; commonly known as CMC. It helps maintain texture by binding water.
UPF

calcium propionate

A food preservative added to baked goods to inhibit mold and bacterial growth.
OK

citric acid

A natural organic acid used to balance acidity and preserve foods; a common food additive.
OK

salt

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

wheat starch

Starch extracted from wheat grain, used as a thickener, filler, or texture modifier in foods.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Organic Piadina 4 Wholeblend Flatbreads with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Crosta & Mollica

View product →

Not Ultra-Processed

Durum wheat flatbreads

Swap it for something less processed

See all Breads & Wraps →

Other breads & wraps Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Flatbread

Is Flatbread ultra-processed?

Yes — Flatbread by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and formulations, including a stabiliser (sodium carboxy methyl cellulose) and a preservative (calcium propionate). These ingredients are characteristic of NOVA Group 4 ultra-processed foods. Other ingredients like refined wheat flour, oils, yeast, and basic raising agents alone would not make it UPF, but the presence of these additives does.

Which ingredients in Flatbread are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Flatbread as ultra-processed markers: raising agents (baking powders), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (cmc) stabiliser, calcium propionate. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Flatbread?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Organic Piadina 4 Wholeblend Flatbreads with Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Crosta & Mollica, Durum wheat flatbreads by crosta & mollica, Piadina by Crosta & Mollica. 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.

Flatbread

Ingredients

Healthier alternatives

Swap it for something less processed

Common questions about Flatbread

Is Flatbread ultra-processed?

Which ingredients in Flatbread are ultra-processed?

What are healthier alternatives to Flatbread?

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan it yourself,right in the aisle

Scan it yourself,
right in the aisle