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Yes — Houmous is ultra-processed.
Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives: an acidity regulator (citric acid) and especially the preservative potassium sorbate, which is a synthetic preservative. The presence of these extracted/synthesized additives moves the product into the UPF category under NOVA, even though the base ingredients (chickpeas, tahini, oil, garlic) are minimally processed foods.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Houmous
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Yes — Houmous by Stamford Street Co. is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives: an acidity regulator (citric acid) and especially the preservative potassium sorbate, which is a synthetic preservative. The presence of these extracted/synthesized additives moves the product into the UPF category under NOVA, even though the base ingredients (chickpeas, tahini, oil, garlic) are minimally processed foods.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Houmous as an ultra-processed marker: acidity regulator: citric acid; salt. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Organic Houmous by Sainsbury's,So Organic, Tesco Houmous by Tesco, Organic Houmous ~ With added extra virgin olive oil by Marks & Spencer. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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.
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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.