What is an Ultra-Processed Food? The NOVA Classification
To understand why Bisquick is categorized as ultra-processed, it is essential to first understand the definition of an ultra-processed food (UPF). The most widely accepted system is the NOVA food classification, which categorizes all foods into four groups based on the nature, extent, and purpose of their processing.
- Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods: These are whole foods in their natural or minimally altered state, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and raw meats.
- Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients: Ingredients like oils, sugar, and salt, which are derived from Group 1 foods but are not consumed on their own.
- Group 3: Processed Foods: Simple foods made by adding salt, sugar, or oil from Group 2 to Group 1 foods, such as canned vegetables or freshly made bread.
- Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods: Industrial formulations typically containing five or more ingredients, often including substances not found in a regular kitchen and made via a series of industrial processes. These are generally ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat products, designed for convenience, high profitability, and palatability.
Bisquick's Ingredients and Processing Explained
Examining the ingredients of Bisquick Original reveals why it aligns with the NOVA Group 4 classification. Unlike a simple homemade mix of flour, shortening, baking powder, and salt, Bisquick includes a longer list of industrially derived components. Key ingredients like Enriched Flour Bleached, Vegetable Oil (palm, canola and/or soybean oil), Corn Starch, Dextrose, industrial Leavening agents, Salt, Sugar, DATEM, and Monoglycerides indicate a higher level of processing. DATEM and Monoglycerides are emulsifiers and stabilizers used in industrial food production, not typically in home cooking, to enhance texture and shelf life. The use of hydrogenated or interesterified oils and bleached flour further points to an ultra-processed product.
Bisquick vs. Homemade Baking Mix: A Comparison
Here's a comparison highlighting the differences between Bisquick Original and a homemade alternative:
| Feature | Bisquick Original | Homemade Baking Mix |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Enriched bleached flour, vegetable oils, corn starch, dextrose | All-purpose flour, vegetable shortening or butter |
| Leavening Agents | Industrial blend (sodium aluminum phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, baking soda) | Baking powder, baking soda |
| Additives | DATEM, monoglycerides, corn starch, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin | None |
| Processing Level (NOVA) | Group 4 (Ultra-Processed) | Group 2/3 (Processed Culinary Ingredients/Processed Food) |
| Main Purpose | High convenience, long shelf-life, profitability, enhanced palatability | Simple, quick home baking |
The Health Implications of Ultra-Processing
Consumption of ultra-processed foods is consistently linked to negative health outcomes, including increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. These health concerns stem not just from high levels of sugar, salt, and fat, but also from the industrial formulation and processing methods. UPFs can replace nutrient-rich whole foods, leading to deficiencies in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Their design for hyper-palatability can also contribute to overconsumption. Additionally, industrial ingredients and low fiber content can negatively impact gut health, and some studies suggest a link to inflammation. While occasional consumption is likely not harmful, regular intake should be limited, as emphasized by organizations like the EWG, which classify Bisquick as unhealthy and ultra-processed due to its composition. For a less processed option, a simple homemade baking mix allows for control over ingredients like using whole wheat flour and healthier fats.
Conclusion: A Clear Case for Ultra-Processing
Based on its ingredients and industrial production, Bisquick is definitively classified as an ultra-processed food under the NOVA system. It contains industrial ingredients and additives not typical in home cooking and is designed for convenience and palatability. Understanding this classification helps consumers make informed dietary choices and highlights the importance of prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods. For more information on the NOVA system, consult the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
