Is Lowan Whole Foods Lowan Instant Dried Yeast ultra-processed?

280g Baker's yeast Sold in Australia

Yes, it's ultra-processed

Signs of ultra-processing in its ingredients:

Less processed isn't automatically healthier, so compare the labels for what matters to you, such as sugar or salt.

Ultra-processing Processing signs are highlighted

Yeast, emulsifier (ultra-processing marker) (491)

Additives: E491 Sorbitan monostearate

Also detected, but not matched to one ingredient: E491 Sorbitan monostearate.

As written on the pack

Yeast, emulsifier (491)

Added to change how the food looks, feels or tastes, not to keep it safe. A hallmark of ultra-processed food.

E491 Sorbitan monostearate Emulsifiers are substances which make it possible to form or maintain a homogenous mixture of two or more immiscible phases such as oil and water in a foodstuff.
Emulsifier Emulsifiers keep fat and water from separating, giving products a smooth, stable texture over a long shelf life.

From least to most processed, this one ranks 7th. 78% of the baker's yeast here are ultra-processed.

Ranked by NOVA group, then by the number of ultra-processing signs, additives and ingredients. Our ordering, not part of NOVA.

Data from this product on Open Food Facts (barcode 9310598500211, last edited 27 June 2026), available under the Open Database License. If something is wrong or the recipe has changed, you can correct it there.
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors, CC BY-SA 3.0.
The NOVA group is an automated estimate from crowdsourced data: a missing or mistyped ingredient can change it.
General information, not medical or dietary advice. Check the pack if you have an allergy.