Bisto

Bisto best

Barcode 5000354922848

Scanned 47 times by Nomi users

Yes — Bisto best is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives and UPF ingredients, including maltodextrin, flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), colour (ammonia caramel), flavourings, emulsifier (soya lecithin), and black pepper extract. These are industrial formulations or additives used to modify flavour, colour, and texture, which places the product in the ultra-processed category according to NOVA.

Ingredients

9 ultra-processed markers

UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.
OK

potato starch

A basic, finely ground starch derived from potatoes; used as a thickener and binder in foods.
OK

salt

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

vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed)

A mixture of common culinary vegetable oils used for frying and cooking (palm oil and rapeseed oil in this case).
UPF

flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5-ribonucleotides)

Flavor enhancers containing additives such as monosodium glutamate and disodium 5-ribonucleotides used to boost savory taste.
UPF

caramel color (ammonia-treated)

Food colorant produced by caramelisation of sugars with ammonia (ammonia caramel), used to impart brown color in foods.
OK

chicken powder (2%)

Dehydrated chicken flavoring powder used as a seasoning.
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
UPF

autolyzed yeast

A yeast extract produced by controlled autolysis, commonly used as a flavor enhancer to impart savory, umami notes.
OK

onion powder

Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
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

chicken fat

Rendered fat from chicken, a basic culinary fat used for cooking and adding richness.
UPF

onion extract

A liquid extract derived from onions used as a flavoring agent in foods.
OK

spice

Diverse plant-derived flavoring agents used to season foods; typically used in small amounts.
UPF

black pepper extract

A concentrated extract from black pepper used to impart aroma and slight heat.
UPF

sage extract

Derived from sage leaves; concentrated extract used as a flavoring.
OK

onion oil

Oil infused with onion flavor, used to impart onion aroma and taste; typically a processed flavoring or finishing oil.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Common questions about Bisto best

Is Bisto best ultra-processed?

Yes — Bisto best by Bisto is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives and UPF ingredients, including maltodextrin, flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), colour (ammonia caramel), flavourings, emulsifier (soya lecithin), and black pepper extract. These are industrial formulations or additives used to modify flavour, colour, and texture, which places the product in the ultra-processed category according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in Bisto best are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 9 ingredients in Bisto best as ultra-processed markers: maltodextrin, flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5-ribonucleotides), caramel color (ammonia-treated), flavourings, autolyzed yeast, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), onion extract, black pepper extract, sage extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Bisto best?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including BEEF Stock by Waitrose, Beef Bone Broth by freja, Beef Bone Broth by Borough Broth. 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.

Bisto best

Ingredients

Healthier alternatives

Common questions about Bisto best

Is Bisto best ultra-processed?

Which ingredients in Bisto best are ultra-processed?

What are healthier alternatives to Bisto best?

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