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Yes — Bran Flakes is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains malted barley extract, which is an industrially processed flavor enhancer and therefore a UPF ingredient under the NOVA system. Other ingredients such as sugar, salt, whole wheat, wheat bran, and added vitamins/minerals are not in themselves ultra-processed, but the presence of malted barley extract is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other breakfast cereals & bars Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Scott's Old Fashioned Porridge 1Kg
Scott’s
Not UPF
Fruit, Nut and Seed Muesli
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Scottish porridge oats
SO
Not UPF
So Simple Original Family Pack Porridge
Quaker
Not UPF
Puffed Wheat
By sainsbury's
Not UPF
Shredded Wheat 16s imp
Nestlé
Not UPF
Ultimate Granola Økologisk, 400 g
Handelshuset Hette AS
Not UPF
Bite size wheat shreds
Harvest Morn, Aldi
Not UPF
Creamy superfast oats
Mornflake
Not UPF
SUPER SMOOTH PORRIDGE
TESCO
Not UPF
Yes — Bran Flakes by Asda is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains malted barley extract, which is an industrially processed flavor enhancer and therefore a UPF ingredient under the NOVA system. Other ingredients such as sugar, salt, whole wheat, wheat bran, and added vitamins/minerals are not in themselves ultra-processed, but the presence of malted barley extract is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Bran Flakes as an ultra-processed marker: malted barley extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Organic bran flakes, Free From by Sainsbury's Gluten Free Bran Flakes by Sainsbury’s, Bran Flakes by Tesco Free From. 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.
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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.
