Nomi
UPF Food Scanner
Know what’s really in your food
Get the free app
Bisto gravy granules by Bisto
Bisto

Bisto gravy granules

Barcode 5000354923722
Scanned  39  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Bisto gravy granules is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list contains several industrial additives and ultra-processed ingredients, including maltodextrin (an industrially produced refined carbohydrate), palm fat (a highly refined palm oil product), flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate and disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), flavourings (industrial flavouring agents), emulsifier (soya lecithin), and colour (ammonia caramel). According to NOVA, the presence of these additives and industrial formulations makes the product UPF.

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
    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.
  • UPF
    palm fat
    A fat derived from the fruit of oil palm. Often a highly processed vegetable oil used in food production.
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • OK
    wheat flour
    A basic cereal flour from wheat with added minerals (calcium, iron) and vitamins (niacin) for nutrition fortification.
  • OK
    thiamine
    A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
  • UPF
    caramel color (ammonia-treated)
    Food colorant produced by caramelisation of sugars with ammonia (ammonia caramel), used to impart brown color in foods.
  • UPF
    flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides)
    Flavor-enhancing additives including monosodium glutamate and disodium 5'-ribonucleotides.
  • 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.
  • OK
    sugar
    Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
  • UPF
    Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin)
    Soya lecithin is a natural emulsifier derived from soybeans, used to improve the texture and shelf life of food products.
  • UPF
    black pepper extract
    A concentrated extract from black pepper used to impart aroma and slight heat.
  • OK
    rosemary extract
    A natural extract from rosemary leaves used as a flavoring and/or antioxidant preservative in foods.
  • 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.

Swap it for something less processed

See all Cooking & Baking →

Other cooking & baking Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Bisto gravy granules

Is Bisto gravy granules ultra-processed?

Yes — Bisto gravy granules by Bisto is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list contains several industrial additives and ultra-processed ingredients, including maltodextrin (an industrially produced refined carbohydrate), palm fat (a highly refined palm oil product), flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate and disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), flavourings (industrial flavouring agents), emulsifier (soya lecithin), and colour (ammonia caramel). According to NOVA, the presence of these additives and industrial formulations makes the product UPF.

Which ingredients in Bisto gravy granules are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 7 ingredients in Bisto gravy granules as ultra-processed markers: maltodextrin, palm fat, caramel color (ammonia-treated), flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), flavourings, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), black pepper extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Bisto gravy granules?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Tesco finest chicken gravy by Tesco Finest, Beef gravy by M&S, Beef & Red Wine Gravy by Sainsbury's Taste The Difference. 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.

BBC As seen on The One Show

Scan it yourself,
right in the aisle

This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.

  • Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label
  • Every ingredient explained in plain English
  • Daily check-ins show how food affects how you feel
  • Save favourites and build a healthier shopping list

Free download · No subscription needed to start scanning

Nomi monthly wellbeing report
Nomi scan result screen

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.

Nomi — UPF Scanner Free on iOS & Android
Get the app