IRN-BRU

Sparkling Flavoured Soft Drink

Barcode 50107438

Yes — Sparkling Flavoured Soft Drink is ultra-processed.

The ingredients list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives, including citric acid (listed as acid), flavourings, preservative (E211, sodium benzoate), and artificial colours (sunset yellow, ponceau 4R). These additives are characteristic of ultra-processed foods under the NOVA classification.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

carbonated water

A basic beverage ingredient consisting of dissolved CO2 in water, providing fizz without flavor additives.
OK

sugar

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

citric acid

A sour-tasting organic acid used as an acidulant and preservative in foods. Commonly added in small amounts to adjust acidity.
OK

flavourings (including caffeine, ammonium ferric citrate & quinine)
OK

preservative (e211)
OK

colours (sunset yellow, ponceau 4r)

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Common questions about Sparkling Flavoured Soft Drink

Is Sparkling Flavoured Soft Drink ultra-processed?

Yes — Sparkling Flavoured Soft Drink by IRN-BRU is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredients list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives, including citric acid (listed as acid), flavourings, preservative (E211, sodium benzoate), and artificial colours (sunset yellow, ponceau 4R). These additives are characteristic of ultra-processed foods under the NOVA classification.

Which ingredients in Sparkling Flavoured Soft Drink are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Sparkling Flavoured Soft Drink as an ultra-processed marker: citric acid. 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.