Sainsbury's

Coriander & Lemon Couscous

Barcode 01892406

Scanned 16 times by Nomi users

Yes — Coriander & Lemon Couscous is ultra-processed.

The product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives. Specifically, maltodextrin (an industrially processed starch-derived sugar), flavourings (industrial flavour additives), and palm oil (a highly refined oil) are all markers of ultra-processing according to NOVA. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary components and indicate an ultra-processed food product.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

dried couscous (93%)
OK

(durum _wheat_ semolina)
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
OK

sugar

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

salt

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

dried coriander

Dried seeds of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum) used as a spice for flavoring; a single-ingredient dried herb.
OK

ground coriander

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

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

onion powder

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

garlic powder

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

citric acid

A sour-tasting organic acid used as an acidulant and preservative in foods. Commonly added in small amounts to adjust acidity.
UPF

lemon juice powder (concentrated)

Powder form of lemon juice obtained by concentrating the juice and drying it for shelf stability.
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

dried parsley

Dried leaves of parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Used as a fresh-herb substitute that provides a mild, bright, slightly grassy flavor; common in Europe and North America.

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Common questions about Coriander & Lemon Couscous

Is Coriander & Lemon Couscous ultra-processed?

Yes — Coriander & Lemon Couscous by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives. Specifically, maltodextrin (an industrially processed starch-derived sugar), flavourings (industrial flavour additives), and palm oil (a highly refined oil) are all markers of ultra-processing according to NOVA. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary components and indicate an ultra-processed food product.

Which ingredients in Coriander & Lemon Couscous are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Coriander & Lemon Couscous as ultra-processed markers: maltodextrin, flavourings, palm oil, citric acid, lemon juice powder (concentrated). 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.