Beef Meatballs

Barcode 00203319

Yes — Beef Meatballs is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes yeast extract (a flavor enhancer), caramel color (an industrial color additive), and beef extract/roasted beef extract (industrial meat extracts). These extracted and industrially processed additives place the product in the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

broad bean (fava bean)

A single-legume edible seed, also known as fava bean; typically used as a food ingredient in cooking.
OK

onion

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

breadcrumbs (wheat flour, yeast, salt)

Dried breadcrumbs made from wheat flour with yeast and salt; a processed grain product used as an ingredient.
UPF

beef stock

A prepared savoury liquid or powder used as a base for soups, gravies, and sauces, rich in beef-derived flavors.
UPF

seasoning

A generic blend of salt, spices, herbs, and may include flavor enhancers for taste enhancement.
UPF

vegetable extract

A flavoring extract derived from vegetables (onion and carrot), used to impart vegetable flavors.
OK

wheat flour

Finely ground cereal flour from wheat; a fundamental baking ingredient.
OK

salt

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

caramel color

A common food coloring derived from caramelized sugar used to impart brown or amber hue to foods and beverages.
OK

herb extract

Derived from herbs to impart aroma or flavor; can be used as a natural flavoring or aroma ingredient.
OK

spice mix (parsley, black pepper, white pepper)

A blend of ground or whole spices and pepper used to season foods, providing pungency and aroma.
OK

ascorbic acid (vitamin c)

A common antioxidant used to preserve foods and boost vitamin C intake.

Common questions about Beef Meatballs

Is Beef Meatballs ultra-processed?

Yes — Beef Meatballs is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes yeast extract (a flavor enhancer), caramel color (an industrial color additive), and beef extract/roasted beef extract (industrial meat extracts). These extracted and industrially processed additives place the product in the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category.

Which ingredients in Beef Meatballs are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Beef Meatballs as ultra-processed markers: beef stock, seasoning, vegetable extract, caramel color. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

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.