Taste the Difference

Ham & Leek Gratin

Barcode 01857276

Yes — Ham & Leek Gratin is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes industrial additives and highly processed components: palm oil in the breadcrumb, sodium nitrite preservative in the ham, and cornflour/potato starch used as industrial thickeners. These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and fit NOVA ultra-processed criteria.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

potato

A starchy tuber, a common staple food used as a vegetable. Can be prepared in many ways (boiled, fried, baked).
OK

extra mature cheddar cheese (21%) (cows' _milk_)
OK

cooked ham (17%) (pork, salt, preservative: sodium nitrite)
OK

semi skimmed cows' _milk_
OK

single cream (cows' _milk_)
OK

leek (7%)
OK

water

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

breadcrumb (fortified _wheat_ flour (_wheat_ flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), palm oil, salt, yeast)
OK

ham juices
OK

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
OK

fortified wheat flour

A basic flour base fortified with minerals and vitamins (calcium carbonate, iron, niacin) used as a baking ingredient.
OK

thiamine

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

sunflower oil

A basic edible oil pressed from sunflower seeds; common cooking oil.
OK

rapeseed

A basic agricultural oilseed used to produce rapeseed oil; commonly pressed or extracted for cooking. Used as a culinary ingredient.
OK

butter (cows' _milk_)
OK

salt

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

white pepper

A spice ground from ripe peppercorns with the outer husk removed, used to impart mild heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

onion powder

Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
OK

black pepper

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

potato starch

A basic, finely ground starch derived from potatoes; used as a thickener and binder in foods.

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Common questions about Ham & Leek Gratin

Is Ham & Leek Gratin ultra-processed?

Yes — Ham & Leek Gratin by Taste the Difference is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes industrial additives and highly processed components: palm oil in the breadcrumb, sodium nitrite preservative in the ham, and cornflour/potato starch used as industrial thickeners. These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and fit NOVA ultra-processed criteria.

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.