Yes — Moroccan style couscous is ultra-processed.
Classified as ultra-processed because it contains stabiliser pectin, which is an industrial gelling/thickening agent. All it takes is one such additive for the product to be considered UPF under the given rules.
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Basmati rice
Aldi
Not UPF
Tast of - Basmati Microwave Rice
Golden sun,Taste of
Not UPF
Basmati
Ben's
Not UPF
Rice noodles chick-n ramen
Itsu
Not UPF
Pasta, Spinach & Pine Kernels
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Caribbean Rice & Peas Basmati Rice
Tilda
Not UPF
Spinach, Buffalo Ricotta, Pine Nuts Girasoli
Tesco
Not UPF
FRESH EGG PASTA TAGLIATELLE
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Gnocchis tomato & mozzarella
Giovanni Rana
Not UPF
Basil and Pine Nut Ravioli
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference
Not UPF
Yes — Moroccan style couscous by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains stabiliser pectin, which is an industrial gelling/thickening agent. All it takes is one such additive for the product to be considered UPF under the given rules.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Moroccan style couscous as an ultra-processed marker: pectin (stabiliser). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
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.