Asda

Plain bagels

Barcode 5057172612833

Scanned 39 times by Nomi users

Yes — Plain bagels is ultra-processed.

Classified as UPF because the ingredient list includes industrial additives: preservative (calcium propionate) and flour treatment agent (ascorbic acid), as well as refined sugar. These indicate industrial formulation beyond basic culinary ingredients.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

fortified wheat flour (wheat flour)

Wheat flour that has been enriched with vitamins and minerals (e.g., iron, B vitamins).
OK

calcium carbonate

A basic inorganic calcium salt used as a nutrition supplement and anticaking agent in foods.
OK

iron

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

thiamin (b1)

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
OK

water

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

rye flour

Finely milled flour produced from rye grains; a common cereal grain used in breads and baked goods.
OK

sugar

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

yeast

A living microorganism used as a leavening agent in baking.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

coarse maize flour
OK

wheat flour

Finely ground cereal flour from wheat; a fundamental baking ingredient.
OK

salt

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

calcium propionate

A food preservative added to baked goods to inhibit mold and bacterial growth.
OK

wheat gluten

Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
OK

malted barley flour

Flour milled from malted barley, a basic cereal ingredient used in baking and brewing.
OK

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
OK

ascorbic acid (flour treatment agent)

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) used as a dough conditioner to strengthen gluten structure in flour.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Swap it for something less processed

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Other breads & wraps Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Plain bagels

Is Plain bagels ultra-processed?

Yes — Plain bagels by Asda is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as UPF because the ingredient list includes industrial additives: preservative (calcium propionate) and flour treatment agent (ascorbic acid), as well as refined sugar. These indicate industrial formulation beyond basic culinary ingredients.

Which ingredients in Plain bagels are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Plain bagels as an ultra-processed marker: calcium propionate. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Plain bagels?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including plain bagel by Cohen's. 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.