By sainsbury's

Beef meatballs

Barcode 00160650

Scanned 7 times by Nomi users

No — Beef meatballs is not ultra-processed.

Ingredient list contains only basic foods (beef, water, vegetables, herbs, spices, salt) and fortified wheat flour, which is explicitly classified as not ultra-processed under these rules. No industrial additives, artificial sweeteners, refined syrups, emulsifiers, or flavorings are present.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

british beef (84%)
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

fortified wheat flour

Flour that has had minerals and vitamins added (calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin) to enhance nutrition; used as a baking base and staple ingredient.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
OK

spices: black pepper
OK

chilli

Chilli (chili pepper) is a pungent fruit used to add heat and spice to dishes. It is a natural plant product and widely used as a basic food ingredient.
OK

ginger

A pungent, aromatic rhizome used fresh or dried in cooking and beverages.
OK

mace; herbs: bay
OK

thyme

A small, woody perennial herb with fragrant leaves used to flavor dishes, soups, and stews.
OK

oregano

A dried aromatic herb used as a spice in cooking, with a warm, slightly bitter flavor.
OK

rosemary; garlic powder

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Common questions about Beef meatballs

Is Beef meatballs ultra-processed?

No — Beef meatballs by By sainsbury's is not ultra-processed, so it is not a UPF (ultra-processed food). Ingredient list contains only basic foods (beef, water, vegetables, herbs, spices, salt) and fortified wheat flour, which is explicitly classified as not ultra-processed under these rules. No industrial additives, artificial sweeteners, refined syrups, emulsifiers, or flavorings are present.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.