Butterkist

Sweet & Salty Popcorn

Barcode 5000237126820

Scanned 34 times by Nomi users

Yes — Sweet & Salty Popcorn is ultra-processed.

This popcorn is classified as ultra-processed because it contains an emulsifier (sunflower lecithins), which is an industrial additive used to modify texture and stability. According to NOVA, the presence of such emulsifiers makes the product ultra-processed, even though the other ingredients (popped maize, sugar, rapeseed oil, salt) are basic culinary ingredients.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

popped maize

Popped maize kernels (popcorn) that are puffed by heat; commonly eaten as a snack or used as an ingredient in cereals and snacks.
OK

sugar

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

rapeseed oil

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

salt

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

sunflower lecithin

A natural emulsifier derived from sunflower seeds; phospholipid extract used to improve texture and stability in foods.

Healthier alternatives

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Common questions about Sweet & Salty Popcorn

Is Sweet & Salty Popcorn ultra-processed?

Yes — Sweet & Salty Popcorn by Butterkist is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This popcorn is classified as ultra-processed because it contains an emulsifier (sunflower lecithins), which is an industrial additive used to modify texture and stability. According to NOVA, the presence of such emulsifiers makes the product ultra-processed, even though the other ingredients (popped maize, sugar, rapeseed oil, salt) are basic culinary ingredients.

Which ingredients in Sweet & Salty Popcorn are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Sweet & Salty Popcorn as an ultra-processed marker: sunflower lecithin. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Sweet & Salty Popcorn?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Popcorn Sweet by Snackrite, Sweet Popcorn by Marks & Spencer. 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.