This is a practical reference showing where common UK foods typically fall in the NOVA classification. Remember: the NOVA group depends on the specific product and its ingredients — these are general classifications for typical supermarket versions.
Sourdough (bakery)
Supermarket sliced bread
Contains emulsifiers, preservatives
Wraps / tortillas
Modified starch, emulsifiers
Croissants (bakery)
Packaged croissants
Flavourings, emulsifiers
Plain milk
Natural yoghurt
Flavoured yoghurt
Modified starch, flavourings, colours
Cheese (traditional)
Processed cheese slices
Emulsifiers, flavourings
Oat milk (most brands)
Contains stabilisers, added oils
Porridge oats
Muesli (simple)
Oats, nuts, dried fruit, sugar
Chocolate cereals
Glucose syrup, flavourings, emulsifiers
Granola bars
Glucose syrup, maltodextrin, flavourings
Instant porridge sachets
Added flavourings, sweeteners
Fresh chicken breast
Smoked salmon
Chicken nuggets
Modified starch, flavourings, dextrose
Sausages (processed)
Preservatives, flavourings, fillers
Protein bars
Protein isolates, humectants, flavourings
Fresh fruit
Unsalted nuts
Salted nuts
Crisps
Flavourings, maltodextrin, colours
Biscuits
Emulsifiers, flavourings, modified fats
Water
Tea / coffee (plain)
Orange juice (100%)
Fizzy drinks
Sweeteners, colours, flavourings
Energy drinks
Sweeteners, flavourings, colours
Flavoured water
Sweeteners, flavourings
Homemade pasta sauce
Canned tomatoes
Jar pasta sauce (most)
Modified starch, flavourings, sugar
Instant noodles
Flavourings, MSG, modified starch
Frozen ready meals
Emulsifiers, flavourings, preservatives
These classifications are based on typical supermarket versions of each product. The exact NOVA group depends on the specific product's ingredient list — not the food category.
A 'yoghurt' can be NOVA 1 (plain, natural) or NOVA 4 (flavoured, with modified starch and colourings). Always check the ingredient list — the number and type of ingredients tells you more than the product name.
Classify any food
Paste an ingredient list and see the NOVA classification, processing signals, and additive breakdown.
SpikeSaver classifies every product's processing level — no label reading needed.
Install Chrome Extension — Free in BetaChrome extension · Free during beta · Works on Tesco.com