Asda

Special Flakes

Barcode 5054070621509

Scanned 18 times by Nomi users

Yes — Special Flakes is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as UPF because it contains barley malt extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer according to the NOVA-based rules provided. The rest of the ingredients (rice, whole wheat, sugar, salt, and added vitamins/minerals) are not UPF on their own, but the presence of barley malt extract is sufficient to classify the overall product as ultra-processed.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

rice (73%)
OK

whole wheat (24%)
OK

sugar

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

Barley Malt Extract

Barley malt extract is a sweetener made from malted barley grains.
OK

salt

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

niacin (vitamin b3)

An essential water-soluble B vitamin involved in energy metabolism; often used as a nutrient supplement or fortificant in foods.
OK

iron

Essential mineral used as a nutrient or fortifying ingredient in foods.
OK

pantothenic acid (b5)

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), an essential nutrient used for fortification and nutritional supplementation.
OK

vitamin b12

A water-soluble B vitamin (cobalamin) used as a nutrient fortifier in foods and supplements.
OK

vitamin d

Fat-soluble vitamin used for fortification and dietary supplementation; commonly present in foods as a nutrient or supplement.
OK

thiamin (vitamin b1)

A water-soluble B vitamin essential for carbohydrate metabolism, energy production and nervous system function; commonly used as a dietary supplement or nutrient in foods.
OK

riboflavin (b2)

Vitamin B2 used as a fortifying nutrient in foods; a natural component of some ingredients and commonly added in fortification.
OK

folic acid

A B vitamin (B9) used for fortification of foods and dietary supplements.
OK

vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)

Essential water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient supplement and fortificant in foods and dietary supplements.

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Common questions about Special Flakes

Is Special Flakes ultra-processed?

Yes — Special Flakes by Asda is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as UPF because it contains barley malt extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer according to the NOVA-based rules provided. The rest of the ingredients (rice, whole wheat, sugar, salt, and added vitamins/minerals) are not UPF on their own, but the presence of barley malt extract is sufficient to classify the overall product as ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Special Flakes are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Special Flakes as an ultra-processed marker: Barley Malt Extract. 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.