Here’s a list of common ultra-processed food (UPF) ingredients you can use to check products in the UK:
Common UPF Ingredients
Artificial Sweeteners
- Aspartame
- Sucralose
- Saccharin
- Acesulfame K
- Cyclamate
- Stevia-derived compounds (Stevia itself is considered less processed, but some derivatives can be ultra-processed)
Preservatives
- Sodium Benzoate
- Potassium Sorbate
- Calcium Propionate
- Sodium Nitrite
- Ascorbic Acid
- Sulphites
Emulsifiers and Stabilisers
- E471 (Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids)
- E322 (Lecithin)
- E415 (Xanthan Gum)
- E412 (Guar Gum)
- Locust Bean Gum
Thickeners
- E1400 (Modified Starch)
- E1422 (Modified Starch)
- Maltodextrin
- Carrageenan
Flavour Enhancers
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- E621 (Monosodium Glutamate)
- Natural Flavourings
Hydrogenated Fats and Oils
- Partially Hydrogenated Oils
Colouring Agents
- E100 (Curcumin)
- E120 (Cochineal, Carminic Acid)
- E133 (Brilliant Blue FCF)
Additives
- Whey Powder
- Casein
- Gluten (as an added ingredient)
- Lactose (as an added ingredient)
- Concentrated Fruit Juices
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Soya Protein Isolate
- Hydrolysed Protein
- Invert Sugar Syrup
- Dextrose
- Maltodextrin
- Sodium Phosphates
- E631 (Disodium Inosinate)
- E627 (Disodium Guanylate)
- E250 (Sodium Nitrite)
Tips for Use:
- Print this list and keep it handy while shopping.
- Check ingredient labels for any of these items to determine if a product is likely ultra-processed.
- Use the kitchen cupboard test: Can you imagine having this ingredient in a well-stocked domestic kitchen? If not, it’s probably ultra-processed.
Suggestions for this list? Comment below!