Penn State

Pretzels

Barcode 5032439100247

Scanned 5 times by Nomi users

Yes — Pretzels is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as UPF because it contains dextrose, which is an industrially extracted refined sugar and explicitly considered a UPF ingredient in the NOVA framework used here. Other ingredients (wheat flour with added vitamins/minerals, rapeseed oil, sea salt, sodium hydroxide as an acidity regulator, and dried yeast) are not in themselves ultra-processed under these rules, but the presence of dextrose is sufficient for the whole product to be categorized as ultra-processed.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour with added nutrients and rapeseed oil and sea salt

A flour-based ingredient mix containing wheat flour with added vitamins/minerals (calcium, iron, niacin, thiamin) and sea salt; may include rapeseed oil.
UPF

dextrose

A simple sugar derived from glucose. Commonly used as a sweetener and source of quick energy in foods.
UPF

sodium hydroxide (acid regulator)

A strong alkaline compound used as an acidity regulator/processing aid in some foods; considered a food additive.
OK

dried yeast for baking

Dried baker's yeast used as a leavening agent in bread and doughs.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Swap it for something less processed

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Other crackers & crispbreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Pretzels

Is Pretzels ultra-processed?

Yes — Pretzels by Penn State is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as UPF because it contains dextrose, which is an industrially extracted refined sugar and explicitly considered a UPF ingredient in the NOVA framework used here. Other ingredients (wheat flour with added vitamins/minerals, rapeseed oil, sea salt, sodium hydroxide as an acidity regulator, and dried yeast) are not in themselves ultra-processed under these rules, but the presence of dextrose is sufficient for the whole product to be categorized as ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Pretzels are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Pretzels as ultra-processed markers: dextrose, sodium hydroxide (acid regulator). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Pretzels?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Mini Twist pretzels by H-E-B Organics. 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.