Yes — Wholemeal and Rye Sourdough is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains malted barley extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer and is considered an ultra-processed ingredient according to the given criteria. Other ingredients like fortified wheat flour, molasses, malted barley flour, salt, ascorbic acid (flour treatment agent), potato starch, and rapeseed oil are not UPF by themselves, but the presence of malted barley extract is sufficient to classify the whole product as UPF.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other breads & wraps Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Multiseed loaf
Sainsbury
Not UPF
Seeded multigrain bloomer
Not UPF
6 Seed & Cereal Original Pitta
The Food Doctor
Not UPF
Plain Breadsticks
ASDA
Not UPF
Taste the Difference Luxury Sourdough Crumpets
Taste the difference, Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Stonebaked Ciabatta
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Hovis Granary
Hovis
Not UPF
Rye & Wheat Sourdough
Waitrose
Not UPF
Croissants
Tesco
Not UPF
Ciabatta Roll
Tesco
Not UPF
Yes — Wholemeal and Rye Sourdough by Asda Extra Special is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains malted barley extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer and is considered an ultra-processed ingredient according to the given criteria. Other ingredients like fortified wheat flour, molasses, malted barley flour, salt, ascorbic acid (flour treatment agent), potato starch, and rapeseed oil are not UPF by themselves, but the presence of malted barley extract is sufficient to classify the whole product as UPF.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Wholemeal and Rye Sourdough 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 Rye & Mixed Seed Sourdough Bread by Tesco, Sourdough Wholemeal Ciabattin by Jason's, Seeded Sourdough Bread by Specially Selected. 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.