Sainsbury's

Plant Pioneers Meat Free Meatballs

Barcode 00184755

Scanned 16 times by Nomi users

Yes — Plant Pioneers Meat Free Meatballs is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredients include several industrial additives and processed ingredients such as maltodextrin, malted barley extract, dextrose, flavouring, methyl cellulose (a stabiliser), and yeast extract, all of which fall under NOVA ultra-processed criteria.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

rehydrated textured _soya_ protein (57%)
OK

onion puree (9% onion (6%), rapeseed oil, water, potato flake, _soya_ protein concentrate, yeast extract, chickpea flour, tomato puree stabiliser: methyl cellulose; parsley, garlic puree, onion powder potato starch, maltodextrin, sage, garlic powder, salt, malted _barley_ extract, dextrose, sea salt, carrot powder, black pepper white pepper, tomato powder, flavouring, onion extract, parsley extract, turmeric extract.)

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Other meat alternatives Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Plant Pioneers Meat Free Meatballs

Is Plant Pioneers Meat Free Meatballs ultra-processed?

Yes — Plant Pioneers Meat Free Meatballs by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredients include several industrial additives and processed ingredients such as maltodextrin, malted barley extract, dextrose, flavouring, methyl cellulose (a stabiliser), and yeast extract, all of which fall under NOVA ultra-processed criteria.

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.