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Yes — Hot Chocolate is ultra-processed.
The product contains maltodextrin and anti-caking agent (silicon dioxide), which are industrial additives considered ultra-processed according to NOVA. It also includes a thickener (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) and natural flavourings, which are additional ultra-processed additives. Therefore, the overall product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other drinks Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Carbonated Natural Mineral Water
Nestlé, San Pellegrino
Not UPF
Blueberry & Blackcurrant Cordial
Belvoir Farm
Not UPF
Innocent smoothie for kids
Innocent
Not UPF
Spring Water
Kirkland Signature
Not UPF
Fairtrade Instant Hot Chocolate
Clipper
Not UPF
Drinking Chocolate
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Achocolatado em Pó
Continente
Not UPF
Super cosy drinking chocolate
Clipper
Not UPF
Cacao Bliss
Not UPF
Classic Hot Chocolate Powder
Islands
Not UPF
Yes — Hot Chocolate by Costa is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains maltodextrin and anti-caking agent (silicon dioxide), which are industrial additives considered ultra-processed according to NOVA. It also includes a thickener (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) and natural flavourings, which are additional ultra-processed additives. Therefore, the overall product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).
Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Hot Chocolate as ultra-processed markers: maltodextrin, silicon dioxide. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Bournville Cocoa by Cadbury, Drinking Chocolate by Sainsbury's, Cacao Bliss. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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.
This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.
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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.
