Is Benecol Ultra-Processed (UPF)?

Benecol

Barcode 5055940101237

Scanned 15 times by Nomi users

Yes — Benecol is ultra-processed.

The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA. Specifically: palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, sunflower lecithin), plant stanol ester (an industrially produced extract), and natural flavourings (an industrial flavoring). Presence of any of these makes the overall product ultra-processed.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

water

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

plant stanol ester (plant stanols 6.6g/100g)
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

buttermilk powder

Dried buttermilk obtained from fermented milk; used as a dairy ingredient to provide dairy flavor and proteins in products.
OK

salt (1%)
OK

emulsifiers (mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, sunflower lecithin)
UPF

natural flavourings

Flavorings derived from natural sources used to impart taste or aroma; typically a mix of essential oils, compounds, or extracts.
OK

citric acid

A natural organic acid used to balance acidity and preserve foods; a common food additive.
UPF

color (carotenes)

Food colorant derived from carotenes, used to impart or enhance yellow-orange hues in products.
OK

vitamin a

Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immunity, and cell function; commonly used as a dietary supplement or fortifying agent.
OK

vitamin d3

A fat-soluble vitamin (cholecalciferol) used to support calcium absorption and bone health; commonly added to foods or supplements.

Swap it for something less processed

See all Sauces, Condiments & Spreads →

Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Benecol

Is Benecol ultra-processed?

Yes — Benecol by Benecol is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA. Specifically: palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, sunflower lecithin), plant stanol ester (an industrially produced extract), and natural flavourings (an industrial flavoring). Presence of any of these makes the overall product ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Benecol are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Benecol as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, natural flavourings, color (carotenes). 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.