Tuna Salad Sandwich

Barcode 03275788

Yes — Tuna Salad Sandwich is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including palm oil, emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of fatty acids), calcium salts of fatty acids, and an acidity regulator (acetic acid). These are markers of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour

Finely ground cereal flour from wheat; a fundamental baking ingredient.
OK

calcium carbonate

A basic inorganic calcium salt used as a nutrition supplement and anticaking agent in foods.
OK

iron

Essential mineral used as a nutrient or fortifying ingredient in foods.
OK

niacin (vitamin b3)

A water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient and often added to foods as a fortifying vitamin.
OK

thiamine

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

tuna

A common edible canned or fresh fish meat, high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
OK

water

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

peppers

A general term for various edible peppers, often bell peppers or chili peppers, used fresh or cooked.
OK

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

lettuce

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

sugar

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

pasteurised egg

A basic animal-derived food ingredient from eggs. Used as a protein source in dishes.
OK

red onion

Red onion, a pungent bulb frequently used as a base flavor or garnish in cooking.
OK

spring onion

A fresh allium with a mild onion flavor, used as a garnish or in dishes.
OK

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
OK

brown flaxseed

Whole brown flaxseed (linseed), a source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
OK

salt

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

golden flaxseed

Mature seeds of the flax plant, used as a source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
OK

millet

Small, gluten-free cereal grains rich in minerals and dietary fiber.
OK

poppy seeds

Small seeds from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) used as a culinary ingredient in breads, pastries, and toppings. Nutritionally rich in healthy fats and minerals.
OK

pasteurised egg yolk

Egg yolk that has been pasteurized to reduce microbial risk; used as a rich emulsifier and binding ingredient in sauces and pastries.
OK

yeast

A living microorganism used as a leavening agent in baking.
OK

wheat fibre

A plant-derived dietary fiber from wheat, used as a bulking agent or texturizer in foods.
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.
UPF

emulsifiers: mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of fatty acids (datem)

Commercial food emulsifiers formed from fatty acids that help blend fats and water in processed foods. Examples include mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids and DATEM.
UPF

calcium salts of fatty acids

Calcium salts of fatty acids (e.g., calcium stearate) used as anti-caking agents, lubricants, or stabilizers in various processed foods.
OK

lemon juice concentrate

Lemon juice that has been concentrated by removing water; used as a souring agent or flavoring in foods.
OK

brown mustard seeds

Brown mustard seeds are seeds from the mustard plant (Brassica species) used whole or ground to make mustard condiments and flavorings. They have a peppery, slightly pungent flavor and are a common pantry spice.
OK

ascorbic acid (flour treatment agent)

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) used as a dough conditioner to strengthen gluten structure in flour.
UPF

acidity regulator (acetic acid)

Acetic acid used as an acidity regulator and food additive.
OK

wheat starch

Starch extracted from wheat grain, used as a thickener, filler, or texture modifier in foods.

Common questions about Tuna Salad Sandwich

Is Tuna Salad Sandwich ultra-processed?

Yes — Tuna Salad Sandwich is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including palm oil, emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of fatty acids), calcium salts of fatty acids, and an acidity regulator (acetic acid). These are markers of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in Tuna Salad Sandwich are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Tuna Salad Sandwich as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, emulsifiers: mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of fatty acids (datem), calcium salts of fatty acids, acidity regulator (acetic acid). 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.