Real Food Rating

SIMSON’S PANTRY MIXED WHOLEGRAIN

August 22, 2025

Limit
15 min reading time

ReAL FOOD RATING

LIMIT
Price

$5.50/ 8 wraps

Where to Buy

Major Supermarkets, IGA, Harris Farms

MANDY'S TAKE

“This wrap represents a significant step up from typical ultra-processed options – wholemeal flour leads the ingredient list, sodium levels are reasonable, and there are no artificial colours or excessive additives. However, it’s still held back by the inclusion of 471 (mono and diglycerides), which recent studies link to cardiovascular disease and gut microbiome disruption. The vegetable shortening and processing aids push this into the ‘occasional use’ category rather than a daily staple. For families seeking convenience, this is amongst the better commercial options available, but homemade or artisan bakery versions remain superior for regular consumption. Despite its 4 Health Stars, it receives a 2.75/5 Real Food Rating (RFR).”

RATING BREAKDOWN

Real Food Processing Score: 1/5
  • Still primarily sugar
  • Ultra-processed base
Additive Score: 3/5
  • Natural colours (big win!)
  • Still has artificial flavours
Nutrition Score: 1/5
  • 70%+ sugar content
  • Zero nutritional benefit

NUTRITION SNAPSHOT

Positives
  • Wholemeal wheat flour as primary ingredient (42%)
  • Very low sugar content (2.2g/100g)
  • Good fibre content (6.4g/100g) - supports digestive health
  • Reasonable sodium levels (395mg/100g) - much better than most commercial wraps
  • Decent protein content (8.4g/100g)
Negatives
  • 471 (Mono and diglycerides) concerns: Recent studies link to gut microbiota disruption, cardiovascular disease risk, and emerging cancer associations
  • CUMULATIVE RISK WARNING: 471 is ubiquitous in processed foods (bread, margarine, ice cream, biscuits, instant products) - families easily exceed safe exposure levels through multiple daily sources
  • Cultured wheat flour - HIDDEN PROPIONATES: This seemingly innocent ingredient is actually a natural source of propionates that may trigger behavioural changes, irritability, and sleep disturbances in sensitive children - completely unnecessary in basic bread products and a red flag for ultra-processing
  • Vegetable shortening: Highly processed fat, likely contains trans fats or interesterified oils
  • 422 (Glycerol) humectant: Synthetic moisture retainer, may cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals
  • 297 (Fumaric acid): Acidity regulator, generally safe but indicates additional processing
  • Multiple baking powder agents (501, 541, 516): Processing aids for shelf stability rather than nutrition
  • Refined wheat flour as third ingredient dilutes wholemeal benefits
  • Only 2% whole grain blend - minimal contribution despite marketing appeal
  • Still requires limitation due to additive concerns and cumulative exposure risks
  • Unnecessary processing aids - traditional bread requires only flour, water, yeast, sal

NUTRITION SNAPSHOT

Negatives

Processed sugars: brown rice syrup and sugar

Limited whole food ingredients beyond oats

Contains glycerine additive

Fibre partly from extracted chicory root

Positives

Colours: Natural

No Artificial Colours: Win!

WHO'S IT FOR?

Age Suitability
  • Babies & Toddlers - AVOID
  • Kids - LIMIT
  • Teens - LIMIT
  • Adults - LIMIT
Special Diets
  • Contains gluten (multiple wheat sources)
  • Contains wheat

BETTER OPTIONS

  • Choose wraps with 5 ingredients or fewer – look for options made from wholemeal or sprouted flour, water, olive oil, and salt. The shorter the list, the better for your gut.
  • Skip the shelf-stable supermarket wraps and try fresh sourdough flatbreads or traditional Lebanese bread from your local bakery — often made without preservatives or emulsifiers.
  • Use nourishing wholefood alternatives like large lettuce leaves, nori sheets, or steamed collard greens as natural wrap options — perfect for lunchboxes or quick dinners.

MAKE IT YOURSELF

Want a healthier alternative? Try a homemade version!

“These use healthy and nutritious ingredients” – Mandy

Check out the Recipe
Watch the Reel

THE VERDICT

This is a decent bar with some wholefood ingredients, but the inclusion of glucose syrup, invert syrup, and refined sunflower oil pushes it firmly into the processed category. It’s a better option than many, but still falls short of being truly real food. Does it deserve a 4-star Health Star Rating? In my view, no — especially when ultra-processed sweeteners are linked to a range of poor health outcomes. Instead, it gets a more appropriate 3/5 Real Food Rating (RFR). 

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