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Yes — White Bread is ultra-processed.
This white bread is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processing aids. The emulsifier mono- and di-acetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids is an industrial emulsifier used to modify texture and extend shelf life. The preservative calcium propionate is an industrial preservative used to inhibit mould growth and prolong shelf life and has been pre-identified as a UPF ingredient. These types of emulsifiers and preservatives are characteristic of ultra-processed foods in the NOVA system, so their presence makes the overall product ultra-processed, despite the otherwise basic bread ingredients like wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and rapeseed oil.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other breads & wraps Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
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Yes — White Bread by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This white bread is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processing aids. The emulsifier mono- and di-acetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids is an industrial emulsifier used to modify texture and extend shelf life. The preservative calcium propionate is an industrial preservative used to inhibit mould growth and prolong shelf life and has been pre-identified as a UPF ingredient. These types of emulsifiers and preservatives are characteristic of ultra-processed foods in the NOVA system, so their presence makes the overall product ultra-processed, despite the otherwise basic bread ingredients like wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and rapeseed oil.
Nomi flags 2 ingredients in White Bread as ultra-processed markers: emulsifier (mono- and di-acetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids), calcium propionate. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Sourdough White Ciabattin by Jason's, Hand Finished White Sourdough by Coop, Sainsburys White Sourdough Bloomer by Sainsbury’s sourdough bloomer. 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.
