MISSION WRAPS ORIGINAL
15 min reading time
ReAL FOOD RATING
Price
$5.50 / 8 wraps
Where to Buy
Major Supermarkets, IGA, Harris Farms
MANDY'S TAKE
“This seemingly innocent ‘plain’ wrap demonstrates how even the most basic commercial bread products have become ultra-processed minefields. Despite appearing simple, it contains a combination of gut-disrupting emulsifiers – both 471 (mono and diglycerides) linked to cardiovascular disease and 466 (carboxymethylcellulose) shown to damage the intestinal barrier in human trials. Combined with two preservatives, industrial vegetable oil, refined wheat flour and high sodium levels, this represents the unfortunate normalisation of industrial additives in everyday staples. Wraps should contain around 4-6 ingredients. This wrap shows how far we’ve strayed from real food. Even without artificial colours, this wrap should be avoided as an everyday staple and that’s why it receives a 1/5 Real Food Rating (RFR).”
RATING BREAKDOWN
NUTRITION SNAPSHOT
- Low sugar content (3g/100g)
- Decent protein content (8.2g/100g)
- No artificial colours or flavours
- 471 (Mono and diglycerides) - found in countless processed foods. Recent large cohort studies (BMJ 2023; NutriNet-Santé 2024) show that a higher intake is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, breast and prostate cancers
- 466 (Carboxymethylcellulose) - recent human clinical trials (2024) show that this additive can alter gut microbiota composition and weaken the intestinal barrier
- High sodium (827mg/100g) - exceeds the recommended sodium limits for children and adults
- 282 (Calcium propionate): Preservative linked to headaches, migraines, irritability, and hyperactivity in sensitive children
- 200 (Sorbic acid): A preservative used to inhibit mould. Generally considered safe in small amounts, but high or frequent intake may trigger gut irritation or sensitivity reactions, especially in children (can form potentially mutagenic compounds with nitrites at high doses, though not seen in humans at normal levels)
- Poor fibre content (2.6g/100g) - inadequate for a grain-based product
- Refined wheat flour as primary ingredient - stripped of natural nutrients
- Unspecified vegetable oil - likely highly refined with inflammatory potential
- 450, 500 (Mineral salts): Processing aids for texture modification
- Multiple preservatives and emulsifiers creating synergistic health risks
- Designed for shelf stability rather than nutritional value
NUTRITION SNAPSHOT
Natural colours (not artificial)
Limited whole food ingredients beyond oats
Contains glycerine additive
Fibre partly from extracted chicory root
Colours: Natural
No Artificial Colours: Win!
WHO'S IT FOR?
- Babies & Toddlers - AVOID
- Kids - AVOID
- Teens - AVOID
- Adults - AVOID
- Contains gluten (wheat flour)
- Contains wheat
BETTER OPTIONS
- Mountain Bread Original with simple ingredients and no additives
- Corn tortillas (check ingredients): Often simpler formulations than wheat wraps
- Lebanese bread from ethnic grocers: Frequently made with traditional method or try Khobz Wholemeal Wraps
MAKE IT YOURSELF
Want a healthier alternative? Try a homemade version!
“These use healthy and nutritious ingredients” – Mandy
Check out the Recipe
Chewy Choc Bites
These Chewy Choc Bites are the ultimate quick, nutritious, and delicious snack for the whole family! Made with wholesome ingredients like Medjool dates, peanut butter, brown rice p
Watch the Reel
THE VERDICT
The original MILO Bar is built on ultra-processed sugars, refined oils, fillers, and additives like sorbitol and flavouring with only a small amount of actual wholegrain. Despite its 4-star Health Star Rating, it offers little in terms of real nutrition. This is a heavily engineered, confectionery-style bar that shouldn’t be marketed as a healthy option — especially for children. There’s nothing here that justifies its health halo. It receives a 1/5 Real Food Rating (RFR) and falls into the Avoid category.
APP COMING SOON...
Want detailed ingredients, pros and cons, rating breakdown, nutrition panels, and instant supermarket swaps?
Download the Real Food Rating app! (Coming soon)