Chicken Sandwich

Barcode 00509121

Yes — Chicken Sandwich is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including xanthan gum (stabiliser), modified starch, caramel colour (E150d), potassium sorbate (preservative), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (E461 stabiliser), and mixed industrial sauces (BBQ sauce, mayonnaise). These additives and formulations place it in the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour

Finely milled flour from wheat; fortified with calcium carbonate and folic acid.
OK

chicken breast

Lean poultry meat, typically skinless.
OK

water

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

breadcrumbs

Processed dry bread crumbs containing wheat flour, yeast, salt and sugar.
UPF

mayonnaise

A classic emulsified sauce based on rapeseed oil, egg yolk and vinegar. It’s a ready-to-use processed condiment; contains xanthan gum as a stabiliser, which classifies it as ultra-processed (UPF) due to industrial formulation and additives.
OK

cabbage

A fresh cruciferous vegetable, typically used raw in salads or cooked as a side dish; nutrient-rich and minimally processed.
OK

lettuce

A leafy green vegetable used in salads and as a fresh garnish. It is a basic, minimally processed plant food.
OK

carrot

A root vegetable used widely in cooking for sweetness, texture, and color.
UPF

bbq sauce

A prepared sauce made from tomato puree, sugar, vinegar and additives (modified starch, caramel colour e150d, smoke flavouring). The presence of processing aids and additives makes it ultra-processed (UPF).
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
OK

red pepper (bell pepper)

A sweet, crisp red bell pepper pick or fresh pepper used for color, flavor, and nutrition; typically eaten raw or cooked.
OK

ground black pepper

A fine powder made by grinding peppercorns (Piper nigrum); a common, pungent spice used to season savory dishes.
OK

salt

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

sugar

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

dried yeast

Dehydrated yeast used as a leavening agent or flavoring in baking and fermentation.
OK

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.
OK

ground coriander

A spice ground from the dried seeds of Coriandrum sativum. Bright, citrusy, warm flavor widely used in spice blends and curries.
OK

ground paprika

A ground spice made from dried peppers, used for color and flavor.
OK

turmeric (ground)

A common spice made by grinding the orange-yellow rhizomes of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). It has a warm, bitter, peppery flavor and is widely used in curry powders and mustard blends. Turmeric is known for its vibrant color due to curcumin.
OK

ground ginger

Powdered ginger root used as a spice and flavoring.
OK

ground cumin

A spice made from dried, ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum. Warm, earthy, slightly citrusy flavor commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.
OK

potassium sorbate

A preservative used to inhibit mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods and drinks, typically added in small amounts.
UPF

stabiliser e461 (carboxymethylcellulose)

Food additive used as a thickener/stabiliser in various products. As an isolated additive, it is considered UPF due to being an extracted/industrial ingredient.
UPF

beta-carotene (colorant)

Beta-carotene used as a food colorant (E160a); a natural plant-derived pigment.
OK

calcium phosphate

Calcium phosphate, a mineral salt used as a nutrient supplement or anti-caking/texture aid in foods.

Common questions about Chicken Sandwich

Is Chicken Sandwich ultra-processed?

Yes — Chicken Sandwich is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including xanthan gum (stabiliser), modified starch, caramel colour (E150d), potassium sorbate (preservative), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (E461 stabiliser), and mixed industrial sauces (BBQ sauce, mayonnaise). These additives and formulations place it in the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category.

Which ingredients in Chicken Sandwich are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Chicken Sandwich as ultra-processed markers: mayonnaise, bbq sauce, stabiliser e461 (carboxymethylcellulose), beta-carotene (colorant). 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.