M&S

Prawn Cocktail

Barcode 00298292

Scanned 6 times by Nomi users

Yes — Prawn Cocktail is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives and highly processed ingredients, including emulsifier E471, E472e, palm oil, and palm fat. These are characteristic of NOVA Group 4 ultra-processed foods. Other ingredients like malted barley flour (used as a processed flavor/texture enhancer) also contribute to its UPF status.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

prawns (_crustacean_) (29%)
OK

_wheatflour_ contains _gluten_ (with wheatflour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin)
OK

thiamine

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

water

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

lettuce (11%)
OK

rapeseed oil. king prawns (crustacean) (4%)
OK

_oatmeal_
OK

salt

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

wheat bran (contains gluten)
OK

tomato paste

Concentrated tomato juice cooked down to a thick, concentrated concentrate used as a base or flavoring in sauces and dishes.
OK

pasteurised egg yolk

Egg yolk that has been heat-treated to kill bacteria; used as a rich emulsifying or binding ingredient in recipes.
OK

brandy

A distilled spirit flavored with wine or fermented fruit juice. Not typically eaten as a basic food ingredient; used as a beverage or cooking liquor.
OK

sugar

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

vinegar

A sour-tasting liquid produced by fermentation, widely used as a condiment and preservative.
OK

yeast (yeast. vitamin d yeast)
OK

lemon juice

The clear, acidic juice extracted from lemons, used for brightness and acidity in foods and drinks.
OK

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
OK

fermented wheat flour (contains gluten)

Fermented wheat flour, a processed ingredient from wheat used to add structure or flavor; contains gluten.
UPF

mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (e471)

An emulsifier derived from fats that helps blend ingredients and improve texture in baked goods, spreads, and confectionery.
UPF

e472e (esterified mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids)

Food additive in the E472 range, an emulsifier/solubilizer derived from mono- and diglycerides.
OK

wheat gluten

Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
OK

red pepper sauce (vinegar, red peppers)
OK

anchovies (_fish_)
OK

malted barley flour

Flour made from barley malted to improve fermentation; contains gluten.
UPF

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

vegetable oil (sunflower/rapeseed)

A neutral-tasting cooking oil extracted from sunflower and/or rapeseed; used for frying and sautéing.
OK

dried _mustard_. molasses
OK

onion purée

A smooth paste made from onions, used to add sweetness and body to dishes.
OK

ascorbic acid (vitamin c) used as flour treatment agent

Ascorbic acid added to flour as a processing agent to improve dough strength and flour performance; commonly used as a bakery additive.
OK

_mustard_ seeds
UPF

palm fat

A fat derived from the fruit of oil palm. Often a highly processed vegetable oil used in food production.
OK

tamarind paste

Concentrated paste made from tamarind fruit, used as a souring agent and flavor enhancer.
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
OK

ginger purée

A smooth paste made from ginger, used to impart ginger flavor in sauces and dishes.
OK

ground cloves

Ground cloves are the finely milled powder of the dried flower buds of the clove tree. They are a common spice used in both sweet and savory dishes, offering warm, aromatic, and slightly bitter notes.

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Common questions about Prawn Cocktail

Is Prawn Cocktail ultra-processed?

Yes — Prawn Cocktail by M&S is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives and highly processed ingredients, including emulsifier E471, E472e, palm oil, and palm fat. These are characteristic of NOVA Group 4 ultra-processed foods. Other ingredients like malted barley flour (used as a processed flavor/texture enhancer) also contribute to its UPF status.

Which ingredients in Prawn Cocktail are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Prawn Cocktail as ultra-processed markers: mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (e471), e472e (esterified mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), palm oil, palm fat. 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.