bisto

Barcode 5000354922879

Yes — bisto is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains multiple industrial additives and processed ingredients, including dried glucose syrup, flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), flavourings, colour (ammonia caramel), emulsifier (soya lecithin), smoke flavouring, and black pepper extract. These are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

7 ultra-processed markers

OK

potato starch

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

dried glucose syrup

Concentrated, dried form of glucose syrup, a refined sweetener derived from carbohydrates.
OK

salt

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

flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides)

Flavor-enhancing additives including monosodium glutamate and disodium 5'-ribonucleotides.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

caramel color (ammonia-treated)

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

pork powder

Powdered pork product used as a flavoring or protein source; may contain small amounts of fat and seasoning. Common in processed meats and bouillon powders.
OK

pork broth powder

Powdered pork-based broth or bouillon used to add savory fat and umami; typically used in seasonings and soup bases.
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

sugar

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

chicken fat

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

smoke flavouring

A flavoring agent used to impart smoky aroma or taste in foods. Often an extract or additive designed to mimic smoky flavors.
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.
OK

onion oil

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

rosemary extract

A botanical extract from rosemary used as a flavoring or antioxidant; generally considered a culinary ingredient.

Common questions about bisto

Is bisto ultra-processed?

Yes — bisto is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains multiple industrial additives and processed ingredients, including dried glucose syrup, flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), flavourings, colour (ammonia caramel), emulsifier (soya lecithin), smoke flavouring, and black pepper extract. These are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in bisto are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 7 ingredients in bisto as ultra-processed markers: dried glucose syrup, flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), flavourings, caramel color (ammonia-treated), Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), smoke flavouring, black pepper extract. 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.