Why is the Oat & Barley Loaf classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

NOVA 4 covers foods made with industrial formulations and multiple additives; the loaf includes emulsifiers (E471 and E472e), a preservative (E282 calcium propionate), an acidity regulator (E260 acetic acid), an antioxidant (E300 ascorbic acid), and added sugars, all of which qualify it as ultra‑processed.

How do the sugar and salt contents of this loaf affect diabetic or hypertensive diets?

At 3.3 g of sugars per 100 g the loaf is lower than the category average, making it a moderate choice for diabetic individuals, but it still contributes carbohydrate load; the salt level of 0.68 g per 100 g is relatively low, which is generally acceptable for hypertension when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Is the Oat & Barley Loaf suitable for vegan and gluten‑free diets?

The product is labeled vegan and contains no animal‑derived ingredients, so it fits a vegan diet, but it lists wheat flour, wheat gluten and barley, which contain gluten, making it unsuitable for a gluten‑free or celiac diet.

Morrisons • 800 g

Oat & Barley Loaf

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

The Oat & Barley Loaf is an 800 g sliced multigrain bread from Morrisons, classified in the cereals and potatoes group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product; it provides 9.5 g protein and 3.6 g fiber per 100 g but also contains 0.68 g salt and 3.3 g sugars, with five additives such as mono‑ and diglycerides (E471) and calcium propionate (E282). While it is certified vegan and vegetarian, the relatively high salt level and the presence of added sugars and preservatives temper its health profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0.3 g

Fruits & Vegetables0 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sliced multigrain loaf, this Oat & Barley Loaf contains less sugar (3.3 g vs 4.8 g) and markedly less salt (0.7 g vs 4.0 g) per 100 g, while offering similar protein levels but slightly less fiber.

Ingredients

Wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), Water, Oats (10%), Malted wheat, Sprouted barley grains (3%) (barley, sourdough culture, salt), Yeast, Wheat gluten, Salt, Sugar, Dark brown soft sugar, Emulsifier (mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids, mono - and diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids), Soya flour, Caramelised sugar, Preservative (calcium propionate), Flour treatment agent (ascorbic acid), Acid (acetic acid), Folic acid.

84%

35%

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