Sainsbury's

British 5% Fat 12 Beef Meatballs

Barcode 00401920

Yes — British 5% Fat 12 Beef Meatballs is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains dextrose (an industrially refined sugar) and sodium metabisulphite (a preservative additive).

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

british beef

Muscle meat from cattle, typical consumer cut ingredients vary by product; common fresh meat item.
OK

water

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

gluten-free breadcrumb

A breading or crumb mix made with gluten-free flours and starches, containing added dextrose as a sweetener and binder.
OK

gluten-free seasoning

A simple sea salt-based seasoning mix.
UPF

gluten free crumb

A crumb mixture labeled gluten-free, containing rice flour as a base and sweeteningagentss (dextrose, caramelised sugar syrup), fiber, salt, and paprika extract for flavor and color.
OK

black pepper

A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.
UPF

sodium metabisulphite (sulphites)

A sulfur-containing preservative (sodium metabisulfite) used to prevent oxidation and preserve color in foods.
OK

coriander

Fresh coriander leaves or seeds used as a herb/spice for flavoring.
OK

parsley

A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.

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Other meat & poultry Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about British 5% Fat 12 Beef Meatballs

Is British 5% Fat 12 Beef Meatballs ultra-processed?

Yes — British 5% Fat 12 Beef Meatballs by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains dextrose (an industrially refined sugar) and sodium metabisulphite (a preservative additive).

Which ingredients in British 5% Fat 12 Beef Meatballs are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in British 5% Fat 12 Beef Meatballs as ultra-processed markers: gluten-free breadcrumb, gluten free crumb, sodium metabisulphite (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.