Marks & Spencer

Chicken & bacon pasta bake

Barcode 00221719

Yes — Chicken & bacon pasta bake is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains sodium nitrite (a curing salt preservative, E250) and antioxidant E301 (sodium ascorbate), which are industrial additives used in processed meats, as well as a stabiliser (pectin). These additives place the product in NOVA Group 4 (UPF).

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

cooked pasta (32%) (durum wheat semolina (gluten-containing), water)

Cooked pasta prepared from durum wheat semolina with water; a common staple carbohydrate.
OK

semi-skimmed milk

Milk with reduced fat content, commonly used as a beverage or ingredient.
OK

cooked chicken breast (10%)

Lean poultry meat, cooked, used as a protein source in dishes.
OK

british cream

A light dairy cream with 8% fat and added water, typically used as a dairy ingredient in recipes.
OK

hard cheese

Aged cheese made from cow's milk with a firm, dense texture.
OK

smoked cooked bacon

Cured and smoked pork belly slices that are typically ready-to-eat after cooking.
UPF

cure salts (salt, preservative: sodium nitrite) water antioxidant: e301 rapeseed oil

A curing salt mixture used in meat processing containing sodium nitrite, water, antioxidant E301 and rapeseed oil.
OK

parmesan cheese (milk) corn starch

Parmesan cheese with added corn starch, likely used as an anti-caking or binding ingredient.
OK

lemon juice

Juice extracted from lemons, used as a flavoring, acidulant, or base for sauces and dressings.
OK

salt

A mineral compound used as a seasoning and preservative; is a fundamental food ingredient.
OK

regato cheese (milk)

A cheese produced from cow's milk (Regato).
OK

parsley

A versatile herb with bright, flat or curly leaves used fresh in a variety of cuisines for garnish and flavor.
OK

wheat flour (contains gluten)

A basic, milled flour from wheat used for baking; contains gluten.
OK

garlic puree

Ground or mashed garlic resulting in a soft paste used as a flavoring base in many dishes.
OK

garlic

A pungent bulb used as a savory spice and flavoring in countless dishes.
OK

potato starch

A fine, white starch extracted from potatoes, used as a thickener in foods.
UPF

stabilizer: pectin

Pectin used as a gelling/stabilizing agent in foods; an additive derived from plant sources.
OK

coarsely ground black pepper

Dried spice used for seasoning; a basic single-ingredient food.

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Common questions about Chicken & bacon pasta bake

Is Chicken & bacon pasta bake ultra-processed?

Yes — Chicken & bacon pasta bake by Marks & Spencer is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains sodium nitrite (a curing salt preservative, E250) and antioxidant E301 (sodium ascorbate), which are industrial additives used in processed meats, as well as a stabiliser (pectin). These additives place the product in NOVA Group 4 (UPF).

Which ingredients in Chicken & bacon pasta bake are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Chicken & bacon pasta bake as ultra-processed markers: cure salts (salt, preservative: sodium nitrite) water antioxidant: e301 rapeseed oil, stabilizer: pectin. 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.