Warburtons

Protein Muffins

Barcode 5010044010809

Yes — Protein Muffins is ultra-processed.

This product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processing aids. Emulsifiers such as E472e and E471, preservatives like calcium propionate and sorbic acid, and unspecified flavouring are characteristic ultra-processed ingredients used to modify texture, extend shelf life, and enhance flavour beyond what is achievable with basic culinary processing.

Ingredients

6 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour

Ground wheat flour fortified with calcium, iron, niacin (B3) and thiamin (B1); a basic cereal ingredient commonly used for baking.
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

pulse blend (9%)

A plant-based blend of legume ingredients (pea protein, navy bean flour, chickpea flour, pea fibre) used to add protein and texture.
OK

yeast

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

wheat gluten

Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
OK

maize (corn)

A basic staple grain used as a food ingredient; kernels from Zea mays.
OK

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
OK

salt

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

sugar

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

soy flour

A basic single-ingredient flour made from soybeans, used as a gluten-free flour option with high protein content.
UPF

e472e emulsifier (polyglycerol esters of fatty acids)

Emulsifier additive used to improve texture and blend fats and water; a processed polyglycerol ester.
UPF

e471; rapeseed oil

Combination of E471 (mono- and diglycerides emulsifier) and rapeseed oil; E471 is an industrial emulsifier.
OK

barley flour

Fine flour ground from barley; used in baking and as a cereal ingredient.
UPF

calcium propionate

Calcium propionate is a calcium salt of propionic acid used as a mold inhibitor and preservative in bakery and processed foods.
UPF

sorbic acid

Sorbic acid is a widely used preservative to prevent mold growth; tartaric acid is a natural organic acid used as an acidity regulator in foods.
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
OK

ascorbic acid flour treatment agent (vitamin c)

A flour treatment additive (ascorbic acid) used to improve dough strength and loaf volume; also a source of vitamin C.
UPF

l-cysteine (e920)

L-cysteine is an amino acid used as a dough conditioner; when added as an ingredient it is an extracted additive.

Common questions about Protein Muffins

Is Protein Muffins ultra-processed?

Yes — Protein Muffins by Warburtons is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processing aids. Emulsifiers such as E472e and E471, preservatives like calcium propionate and sorbic acid, and unspecified flavouring are characteristic ultra-processed ingredients used to modify texture, extend shelf life, and enhance flavour beyond what is achievable with basic culinary processing.

Which ingredients in Protein Muffins are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 6 ingredients in Protein Muffins as ultra-processed markers: e472e emulsifier (polyglycerol esters of fatty acids), e471; rapeseed oil, calcium propionate, sorbic acid, flavouring, l-cysteine (e920). 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.