Hovis Tasty Wholemeal — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Hovis Tasty Wholemeal by Hovis OKAY — score 58/90.

A genuine wholemeal loaf led by wholegrain wheat flour and high in fibre, held back from a top score by a factory emulsifier and preservative.

Why this verdict

• Wholemeal wheat flour is the #1 ingredient, roughly 61% wholegrain
• Genuinely high in fibre and low in sugar and fat
• Emulsifier E472e and preservative E282 mark it as factory bread, not a clean loaf
• Only 11 ingredients with no artificial colours or flavours
• Caramelised sugar is a colouring, not real added sweetness

Ingredients (11)

• Wholemeal Flour (Wheat) (safe) — Whole grain flour keeping the bran and germ, giving fibre, B vitamins and slower-release carbs.
• Water (safe) — Used as a basic ingredient in bread.
• wheat protein (safe) — Added gluten protein to lift total protein per serving.
• yeast (safe) — Leavening agent for bread rising.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
• Soya flour (safe) — Adds protein and softness; a common bakery filler, generally fine.
• Preservative (E282 Calcium Propionate) (moderate) — Mould inhibitor for shelf life; a marker of factory bread, not fresh bread.
• caramelised sugar (moderate) — Used in tiny amounts for colour rather than sweetness; minor added sugar.
• Emulsifier E472e (moderate) — Mono/diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono- and diglycerides; a dough conditioner for softness and volume.
• Flour Treatment Agent (Ascorbic Acid) (moderate) — Vitamin C used as a dough conditioner/oxidizer; a bakery processing aid, not something you'd find in traditional sourdough.
• Wheat Flour (fortified with Calcium, Folic Acid, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin) (moderate) — A small amount of refined fortified flour; the added nutrients are a plus but it's refined starch.