Sainsbury's

Pickled Onions

Barcode 00287449

Scanned 13 times by Nomi users

Yes — Pickled Onions is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because the ingredients include barley malt extract, an industrially processed flavoring/sweetening extract, and sodium metabisulphite, a preservative. Presence of such industrial additives places the product in the UPF category under NOVA.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

onions

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

water spirit vinegar
OK

sugar

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

salt

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

Barley Malt Extract

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

preservative sodium metabisulphite (sulphites)

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Other fruit & vegetables Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Pickled Onions

Is Pickled Onions ultra-processed?

Yes — Pickled Onions by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because the ingredients include barley malt extract, an industrially processed flavoring/sweetening extract, and sodium metabisulphite, a preservative. Presence of such industrial additives places the product in the UPF category under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Pickled Onions are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Pickled Onions as an ultra-processed marker: Barley Malt Extract. 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.