You don't need a science degree to identify ultra-processed food. Once you know what to look for on an ingredient label, the patterns become obvious. Here are the 10 categories of industrial additives that signal NOVA Group 4 — and the specific ingredients to watch for.
5+ ingredients
Ultra-processed foods typically have five or more ingredients, many of which are industrial additives.
Unrecognisable names
If you see ingredients you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — emulsifiers, stabilisers, modified starches — it's likely NOVA 4.
Any 'flavouring'
Any product with 'flavouring' or 'natural flavouring' listed is almost certainly ultra-processed.
These are the types of industrial additives that signal NOVA Group 4 on food labels.
Substances that help mix oil and water. Found in bread, margarine, ice cream, and sauces. Key markers: mono- and diglycerides, polysorbate, sorbitan monostearate.
Industrially extracted proteins stripped from whole foods. Found in protein bars, shakes, meat substitutes, and processed snacks.
Starch that has been chemically or physically altered to change its properties. Used as thickeners in sauces, ready meals, and desserts.
Oils that have been industrially altered (hydrogenated or interesterified). Found in margarine, biscuits, and fried snacks. Linked to trans fats.
Any added flavouring — even 'natural flavouring' — is a NOVA 4 marker. If a food needs flavouring added, it can't provide that flavour from its own ingredients.
Industrial thickening and gelling agents. Found in sauces, desserts, plant milks, and low-fat products. Carrageenan and xanthan gum are most common.
Moisture-retaining substances that keep products soft and prevent drying. Found in cakes, protein bars, and soft tortillas.
Artificial and processed natural colours. Found in sweets, cereals, sauces, and drinks. Include synthetic dyes and processed plant extracts.
Chemicals that prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. Found in bread, processed meat, soft drinks, and sauces.
Sugar-derived ingredients created through industrial processing — not the same as sugar you'd add at home. Includes glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and isoglucose.
Classify any food
Paste an ingredient list and see the NOVA classification, processing signals, and additive breakdown.
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