Yes — Baked beans is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial additives and extracts. Specifically, modified maize starch (a chemically modified starch used as a thickener), paprika extract, and garlic extract are pre-identified UPF ingredients. Additionally, “flavouring” is an industrial flavor additive. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing and place the product in the NOVA ultra-processed category, even though the base ingredients (beans, tomatoes, water, sugar, salt, onion powder, paprika powder, onion oil) are minimally processed or basic foods.
Other fruit & vegetables Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Peeled Tomatoes
Baresa
Not UPF
Cannellini Beans in Water
Freshona
Not UPF
Organic red kidney beans in water
Tesco
Not UPF
Sweet Potato Pakora
The deli
Not UPF
Red kidney beans in water
Lidl
Not UPF
Borlotti Beans in water
Tesco
Not UPF
Haricot Beans In Water
Tesco
Not UPF
Red Kidney Beans in water
Not UPF
Biona Organic Baked Beans Classic
Biona Organic
Not UPF
Italian Chopped Tomatoes
Morrisons
Not UPF
Yes — Baked beans by By sainsbury'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 extracts. Specifically, modified maize starch (a chemically modified starch used as a thickener), paprika extract, and garlic extract are pre-identified UPF ingredients. Additionally, “flavouring” is an industrial flavor additive. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing and place the product in the NOVA ultra-processed category, even though the base ingredients (beans, tomatoes, water, sugar, salt, onion powder, paprika powder, onion oil) are minimally processed or basic foods.
Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Baked beans as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, paprika extract, flavouring, garlic extract. 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.