Tesco

Cheese Twists

Barcode 5000436699859

Scanned 31 times by Nomi users

Yes — Cheese Twists is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes palm oil, emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), and vegetable margarine with multiple refined oils. These are industrial formulations/additives characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

wheat flour

Finely ground cereal flour from wheat; a fundamental baking ingredient.
OK

vegetable margarine
OK

cheddar cheese (milk) (11%)
OK

dried skimmed milk

Dried skimmed milk is powdered milk with fat removed, used as a dairy ingredient to provide protein and calcium.
OK

yeast

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

salt

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

malted barley flour

Flour made from barley that has undergone malting to convert starches into fermentable sugars, often used in bread and beer production.
OK

sugar. vegetable margarine contains: palm oil
OK

coconut oil

Oil pressed from mature coconuts, used for cooking and baking.
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.
UPF

monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (emulsifier)

An additive used as an emulsifier to improve texture and mixing of fats and water in processed foods. It is often derived from glycerol and fatty acids.
OK

citric acid

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

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Gruyere cheese & poppy seed twists

Morrisons

View product →

Not Ultra-Processed

Parmigiano reggiano cheese & garlic twists

Morrisons

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Crisps, Snacks & Nuts →

Other crisps, snacks & nuts Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Cheese Twists

Is Cheese Twists ultra-processed?

Yes — Cheese Twists by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes palm oil, emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), and vegetable margarine with multiple refined oils. These are industrial formulations/additives characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in Cheese Twists are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Cheese Twists as an ultra-processed marker: monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (emulsifier). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Cheese Twists?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Gruyere cheese & poppy seed twists by Morrisons, Parmigiano reggiano cheese & garlic twists by Morrisons. 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.