Breads in the UK that are not ultra-processed
Most supermarket breads are ultra-processed — but some products are different. Here’s what to look for.
Tormund Gerhardsen
Founder of The Food App
While most supermarket shelves are dominated by ultra-processed loaves, some brands still offer traditionally made bread. Here are examples you can find in UK stores that are not ultra-processed, based on their ingredients and production methods.
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Jason’s Sourdough: some ultra-processed, some not
Jason’s is known for its sourdough breads and simple, slow-fermented recipes. Several of their loaves – like White Ciabattin and Straight Up Sourdough – are not ultra-processed and live up to the clean-label image. However, some products in the range, such as Protein Sourdough and Fruited Loaf, include added proteins or sweeteners that place them in the ultra-processed category. Always check the label – even within the same brand.
Jason's Protein Sourdough Sunflower Seeded Bread 580g
Ingredients: Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Wheat Protein (Gluten) (12%), Sunflower Seeds (9%), Pea Protein (5%), Rye Flour, Fermented Wheat Flour, Salt
Jason's Protein Sourdough Sunflower Seeded Bread 580g er Ultra-processed.
Jason's Creations Fruited Loaf Sourdough 400g
Ingredients: Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Soaked Fruits (24%) (Raisins, Sultanas, Vostizza Currants, Water, Ground Mixed Spice (Gluten)), Water, Rye Flour, Fermented Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Salt
Jason's Creations Fruited Loaf Sourdough 400g er Ultra-processed.
Jason's White Ciabattin Sourdough 900g
Ingredients: Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Salt, Fermented Wheat Flour
Jason's White Ciabattin Sourdough 900g is Not ultra-processed .
Jason's Recipe No 08 White Sourdough Ciabattin Bread 580g
Ingredients: Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Salt, Fermented Wheat Flour
Jason's Recipe No 08 White Sourdough Ciabattin Bread 580g is Not ultra-processed .
Jason's Recipe No 01 The Great White Straight Up Sourdough Loaf 450g
Ingredients: Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Rye Flour, Salt, Fermented Wheat Flour
Jason's Recipe No 01 The Great White Straight Up Sourdough Loaf 450g is Not ultra-processed .
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Biona: organic rye with raw ingredients
Biona specialises in organic, plant-based foods — and their rye breads are no exception. Made with wholegrain rye, seeds, sourdough and sea salt, these dense loaves are free from ultra-processed additives.
Biona Organic Rye Bread Chia & Flax 500g
Ingredients: Wholegrain Rye Meal*, Water, Sourdough* (Wholegrain Rye Meal*, Water), Flax Seeds* (5%), Chia Seeds* (Salvia Hispanica) (2.5%), Sea Salt, *= Certified Organic ingredients
Biona Organic Rye Bread Chia & Flax 500g is Not ultra-processed .
Schneiderbrot: dense and traditional whole grain
Schneiderbrot specialises in traditional, long-lasting rye breads with a focus on simple, wholegrain ingredients. Schneiderbrot Whole Grain Vollkornbrot is a dense and hearty loaf, baked in the German style and free from emulsifiers or preservatives. Its compact texture helps preserve freshness naturally, making it a solid non-ultra-processed option for everyday use.
Schneiderbrot Whole Grain Vollkornbrot Rye Bread 500g
Ingredients: Grains (Whole Kernel Rye, Whole Grain Rye Flour), Water, Natural Sourdough (Whole Kernel Rye, Water), Salt, Yeast
Schneiderbrot Whole Grain Vollkornbrot Rye Bread 500g is Not ultra-processed .
What makes most supermarket breads ultra-processed?
Most pre-baked supermarket breads contain emulsifiers like E471, which help mix fat and water. Many also include added wheat gluten to improve texture and shelf life, making the bread stronger for large-scale production. Some even contain dextrose, a type of sweetener used instead of sugar.
Warburtons Toastie Thick Sliced White Bread 800g
Ingredients: Wheat Flour [with Calcium, Iron, Niacin (B3) and Thiamin (B1)], Water, Yeast, Salt, Vegetable Oils (Rapeseed and Sustainable Palm), Soya Flour, Preservative: Calcium Propionate, Emulsifiers: E472e, E481, Flour Treatment Agent: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Warburtons Toastie Thick Sliced White Bread 800g er Ultra-processed.
Hovis Wholemeal Tasty Medium Bread 800g
Ingredients: Wholemeal Flour (Wheat), Water, Wheat Protein, Yeast, Salt, Soya Flour, Preservative: E282, Caramelised Sugar, Emulsifier: E472e, Flour Treatment Agent: Ascorbic Acid, Wheat Flour (with added Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), This product contains 62% Wholegrains from Wholemeal Flour
Hovis Wholemeal Tasty Medium Bread 800g er Ultra-processed.
Kingsmill 50/50 Medium Soft White Bread Loaf 800g
Ingredients: Wheat Flour (33%) (with Calcium, Iron, Niacin (B₃) and Thiamin (B₁)), Wholemeal Wheat Flour (33%), Water, Yeast, Salt, Vegetable Oils (Rapeseed, Sustainable Palm), Sustainable Soya Flour, Emulsifier: E472e, Vinegar, Preservative: Calcium Propionate, Flour Treatment Agent: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Kingsmill 50/50 Medium Soft White Bread Loaf 800g er Ultra-processed.
What does bread actually need to contain?
Bread only needs a few basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast, salt and possibly a bit of oil. Seeds and whole grains are also common, natural additions. Some breads include E300, also known as ascorbic acid – a flour treatment agent that improves baking performance. Although it’s an additive, it doesn’t make the bread ultra-processed, as it evaporates during baking. Still, it must be listed on the label.
