Sweetened Drink

Barcode 5032490047536

Yes — Sweetened Drink is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives: citric acid (acidulant), natural flavors (industrial flavoring), preservative: sodium benzoate (chemical preservative), and added color: carotenes. The presence of these extracted and synthesized additives places it in the UPF category according to NOVA, even though some basic ingredients like water, sugar, cornstarch, and salt are minimally processed.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

sugar

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

cornstarch

A fine, gluten-free starch derived from corn kernels, used as a thickener and binder in many foods.
OK

salt

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

citric acid

A weak organic acid found in citrus fruits, commonly used as an acidulant and preservative in foods and beverages.
UPF

natural flavors

Flavorings derived from natural sources used to add or enhance aroma and taste; can include essential oils, extracts, or other natural flavor compounds.
UPF

sodium benzoate

A preservative (benzoate salt) used to inhibit the growth of spoilage organisms and extend shelf life in foods.
OK

color: carotenes

Common questions about Sweetened Drink

Is Sweetened Drink ultra-processed?

Yes — Sweetened Drink is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives: citric acid (acidulant), natural flavors (industrial flavoring), preservative: sodium benzoate (chemical preservative), and added color: carotenes. The presence of these extracted and synthesized additives places it in the UPF category according to NOVA, even though some basic ingredients like water, sugar, cornstarch, and salt are minimally processed.

Which ingredients in Sweetened Drink are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Sweetened Drink as ultra-processed markers: natural flavors, sodium benzoate. 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.