01
The Basics
What is an ultra-processed food?
No More UPF uses the NOVA classification. In practical terms, an ultra-processed food is usually an industrial formulation made with ingredients or additive functions that are not normally used in home cooking.
That can include food substances such as protein isolates, modified starches, maltodextrin or hydrogenated oils, and additive classes used to change flavour, colour, sweetness, texture or mouthfeel.
Is processed food the same as ultra-processed food?
No. This is one of the most important distinctions. Most food is processed in some way: cooking, freezing, fermenting, pasteurising, milling and canning are all forms of processing.
NOVA separates ordinary processing from ultra-processing. Tinned tomatoes, plain yoghurt, cheese, oats, frozen vegetables and sourdough bread can all be processed without automatically being ultra-processed.
Is sourdough bread ultra-processed?
Sometimes. Many supermarket sourdoughs are not ultra-processed, but some contain ingredients that place them in NOVA Group 4. Always read the ingredient list rather than relying on the word “sourdough”.
For bread, look especially for emulsifiers, flavourings, humectants, added gluten, preservatives or other industrial improvers. You can compare examples in the Bread Audit Directory.
Does a long ingredient list always mean a food is UPF?
No. A long ingredient list can be a clue, but it is not the verdict. A curry sauce made from many recognisable ingredients may be processed rather than ultra-processed. A short ingredient list can still include a strong NOVA marker.
The better question is: are the ingredients mainly foods and ordinary culinary ingredients, or does the product rely on industrial substances and cosmetic additives?
Can a food be nutritious and still be ultra-processed?
Yes. NOVA is a processing classification, not a health score. A fortified cereal, high-protein yoghurt or plant-based product may contain useful nutrients and still be NOVA Group 4 if the formulation meets the criteria.
That is why No More UPF keeps two ideas separate: the strict NOVA verdict and the wider practical context.