Pickled Onions

Barcode 00287432

Yes — Pickled Onions is ultra-processed.

The product is ultra-processed because it contains sodium metabisulphite (a sulphite preservative explicitly classified here as an ultra-processed additive) and barley malt extract, an industrially processed flavoring ingredient. These additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients, placing the food in the ultra-processed category under NOVA.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

onions

A bulbous vegetable used as a staple aromatic and flavoring in many cuisines.
OK

water

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

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
OK

firming agent: calcium chloride
UPF

Barley Malt Extract

Barley malt extract is a sweetener made from malted barley grains.
OK

preservatives: sodium hydrogen sulphite
UPF

sodium metabisulfite (sulphites)

A sulfur-based preservative and antioxidant often used to prevent browning and preserve foods; can cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Common questions about Pickled Onions

Is Pickled Onions ultra-processed?

Yes — Pickled Onions is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is ultra-processed because it contains sodium metabisulphite (a sulphite preservative explicitly classified here as an ultra-processed additive) and barley malt extract, an industrially processed flavoring ingredient. These additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients, placing the food in the ultra-processed category under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Pickled Onions are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Pickled Onions as ultra-processed markers: Barley Malt Extract, sodium metabisulfite (sulphites). 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.