Tesco

Ginger Nuts

Barcode 5054402919830

Scanned 28 times by Nomi users

Yes — Ginger Nuts is ultra-processed.

This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because its ingredient list includes industrial additives and processed ingredients. Specifically, glucose-fructose syrup is an industrially produced refined sugar syrup, and palm oil is a highly refined industrial oil; both fall under NOVA’s ultra-processed category. These alone are sufficient to classify the product as UPF. The rest of the ingredients (wheat flour with added vitamins/minerals, sugar, semolina, ginger powder, standard raising agents, salt, lemon oil) are not in themselves UPF, but the presence of glucose-fructose syrup and palm oil makes the overall product ultra-processed.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, thiamin, niacin)
OK

sugar

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

glucose-fructose syrup

A commercially produced sweet syrup made by hydrolyzing and blending glucose and fructose sugars; widely used as a sweetener in foods and beverages.
UPF

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

semolina (wheat)

A coarse grind of durum wheat used to make pasta, couscous, and certain breads; has a slightly gritty texture and high gluten content.
OK

ginger powder

Ground dried ginger root, a common spice and flavoring. Not UPF as a basic spice/ingredient.
OK

raising agents (sodium bicarbonate, disodium diphosphate)

Baking powder components; leavening agents that release carbon dioxide to raise dough.
OK

salt

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

lemon oil

A volatile essential oil extracted from lemon peels, used as a citrus flavoring or aroma in foods.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Duchy Organic Stem Ginger All Butter Shortbread

Waitrose,Waitrose & Partners Duchy Organic

Swap it for something less processed

See all Biscuits & Cookies →

Other biscuits & cookies Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Ginger Nuts

Is Ginger Nuts ultra-processed?

Yes — Ginger Nuts by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because its ingredient list includes industrial additives and processed ingredients. Specifically, glucose-fructose syrup is an industrially produced refined sugar syrup, and palm oil is a highly refined industrial oil; both fall under NOVA’s ultra-processed category. These alone are sufficient to classify the product as UPF. The rest of the ingredients (wheat flour with added vitamins/minerals, sugar, semolina, ginger powder, standard raising agents, salt, lemon oil) are not in themselves UPF, but the presence of glucose-fructose syrup and palm oil makes the overall product ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Ginger Nuts are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Ginger Nuts as ultra-processed markers: glucose-fructose syrup, palm oil, lemon oil. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Ginger Nuts?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Duchy Organic Stem Ginger All Butter Shortbread by Waitrose,Waitrose & Partners Duchy Organic, Chocolate Gingers by Island Bakery. 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.