Unfortified flour, bread and Bovaer-free dairy in the UK
This directory lists UK bakeries, mills and dairies that publicly say they use unfortified flour or don't use the Bovaer feed additive. Every listing links to its source.
Guides
What is changing with UK flour?
- From 13 December 2026, non-wholemeal common wheat flour milled in or imported into the UK must contain 0.250 mg folic acid per 100 g. This is in addition to the calcium carbonate, iron, niacin and thiamin already required, some at higher levels (GOV.UK guidance; SI 2024/1162).
- The government expects some products to contain flour with folic acid from autumn 2025 (GOV.UK: Folic acid).
- The stated aim is to reduce neural tube defects such as spina bifida (GOV.UK news). Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have matching rules (Food Standards Scotland).
What is exempt?
- Wholemeal flour is exempt (Bread and Flour Regulations 1998, reg. 4).
- Flour from small mills in the UK or abroad is exempt from all of the fortification rules. A small mill must have a maximum capacity of 500 tonnes a year and have produced less than 500 tonnes in each of the last 3 calendar years (GOV.UK).
- Flour for communion wafers, matzos, gluten or starch is exempt.
- The rules cover only common wheat (Triticum aestivum). Spelt, rye, other ancient grains, gluten-free and soya flours are not covered (GOV.UK: Folic acid; Real Bread Campaign).
- Imported finished products made with flour are not covered (GOV.UK).
To check a product, read the ingredients list. Added folic acid must be declared, including when fortified flour is an ingredient (GOV.UK).
What is Bovaer?
Bovaer (3-nitrooxypropanol, or 3-NOP) is a cattle feed additive that reduces the methane cows produce. The Food Standards Agency says it is approved in Great Britain, is broken down in the cow, and does not pass into milk (FSA blog).
In November 2024 Arla announced a trial on about 30 UK farms with Tesco, Morrisons and Aldi. Many shoppers objected. Arla now says its UK projects have ended (Arla statement). The Soil Association says Bovaer is not permitted under organic standards (Soil Association).
This site takes no position on fortification or Bovaer. It helps people who have already decided what they want to find sellers. See our disclaimer.