Sussex Bakes ltd

carrot cake

Barcode 5060082389627

Yes — carrot cake is ultra-processed.

This carrot cake is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and formulations. These include the emulsifier mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, the preservative potassium sorbate, and natural flavourings, all of which are characteristic of ultra-processed foods in the NOVA system. It also contains glucose-fructose syrup in the mixed peel, which is an industrially produced refined sugar syrup. While many components (carrot, eggs, flour, oils, fruits, spices) are minimally processed, the presence of these ultra-processed additives makes the overall product UPF.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

sugar

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

pasteurized whole egg

A basic animal-origin ingredient: whole egg that has been pasteurized to destroy pathogens.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

grated carrot

Grated carrot, a basic vegetable cut into small pieces; commonly used as a vegetable ingredient in prepared foods.
OK

wheat flour

A basic flour ground from wheat, often enriched with added minerals and vitamins.
OK

mixed vine fruits (sultanas, raisins)

A mix of dried fruits (grapes) such as sultanas and raisins; traditional fruit ingredient.
OK

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
UPF

margarine

Margarine made from vegetable oils (palm and rapeseed), a processed fat spread.
OK

water

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

mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids

Emulsifier derived from fatty acids used to improve texture, stability, and mouthfeel in foods; commonly added to baked goods, margarine, and processed foods.
OK

full fat soft cheese

A soft, creamy dairy cheese with approximately 2% fat. Used as a basic dairy ingredient.
OK

sea salt

A basic mineral-rich salt derived from evaporated seawater, used as a seasoning and preservative.
UPF

potassium sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a widely used food preservative that inhibits the growth of molds, yeast, and some bacteria to extend shelf life.
OK

raising agents

A mix of leavening agents commonly used in baking, including baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) and phosphate leaveners.
OK

desiccated coconut

Dried shredded coconut used as a flavor and texture ingredient in baking.
UPF

mixed peel (orange and lemon peels with sugar and glucose-fructose syrup)

A composite confectionery ingredient consisting of citrus peels (orange and lemon) preserved or candied and sweetened with sugar and glucose-fructose syrup. Used in baked goods for citrus aroma and sweetness.
OK

citric acid

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

butter (milk)

A dairy fat product made from churning cream; commonly used in cooking and baking.
OK

ground cinnamon

A spice derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, ground into fine powder for flavoring and aroma in foods.
OK

salt

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

natural flavourings

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

lemon juice

The clear, acidic juice extracted from lemons, used for brightness and acidity in foods and drinks.

Common questions about carrot cake

Is carrot cake ultra-processed?

Yes — carrot cake by Sussex Bakes ltd is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This carrot cake is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and formulations. These include the emulsifier mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, the preservative potassium sorbate, and natural flavourings, all of which are characteristic of ultra-processed foods in the NOVA system. It also contains glucose-fructose syrup in the mixed peel, which is an industrially produced refined sugar syrup. While many components (carrot, eggs, flour, oils, fruits, spices) are minimally processed, the presence of these ultra-processed additives makes the overall product UPF.

Which ingredients in carrot cake are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in carrot cake as ultra-processed markers: margarine, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, potassium sorbate, mixed peel (orange and lemon peels with sugar and glucose-fructose syrup), natural flavourings. 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.