Mexican Rice Bowl

Barcode 03411353

Yes — Mexican Rice Bowl is ultra-processed.

This product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrially processed ingredients/additives including malt extract and spice extract, which are used as flavor enhancers. All other ingredients are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of these UPF components is enough to classify the overall product as UPF under NOVA.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

ingredients: cooked brown rice
OK

black turtle beans

Small dark beans with a creamy texture and mild flavor; typically used in Latin American and Caribbean dishes.
OK

cooked red quinoa
OK

cooked white rice
OK

roasted sweet potato
OK

spinach

Leafy green vegetable commonly used as a fresh or cooked ingredient.
OK

chargrilled sweetcorn
OK

and a piece of avocado
OK

onion powder

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

cumin

A warm, earthy spice from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, common in spice blends.
OK

garlic powder

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

corn starch

A refined starch extracted from corn, used as a thickening agent in foods.
OK

olive oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from olives, used for cooking, dressing, and flavor.
OK

chilli powder

Ground dried chili peppers used as a spice to add heat and flavor in dishes. It is a basic single-ingredient spice.
OK

dried oregano

A dried herb from the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare). Offers pungent, warm, slightly bitter flavors and is widely used in Italian and Greek cooking.
OK

paprika

A ground spice made from dried red peppers (Capsicum species), used for color and flavor in many cuisines.
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

coriander (cilantro seeds)

Dried seeds of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum). Warm, citrusy flavor used ground or as whole seeds in spice blends and curries.
OK

rape seed oil
OK

white wine vinegar

A clear, mild vinegar made from fermented white wine, used for acidity in dressings, marinades, and pickling.
OK

rice vinegar

A mild vinegar made from fermented rice—used to season dishes, pickles, and dressings with a subtle sweet and tangy note.
OK

lemon juice

The clear, acidic juice extracted from lemons, used for brightness and acidity in foods and drinks.
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

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
OK

yoghurt powder
UPF

malt extract

Concentrated sugary extract derived from malted barley, used as a sweetener and flavoring in foods.
UPF

spice extract

An extract obtained from spices to deliver concentrated aroma/flavor, commonly used in seasonings and processed foods.
OK

dried coriander

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

Common questions about Mexican Rice Bowl

Is Mexican Rice Bowl ultra-processed?

Yes — Mexican Rice Bowl is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrially processed ingredients/additives including malt extract and spice extract, which are used as flavor enhancers. All other ingredients are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of these UPF components is enough to classify the overall product as UPF under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Mexican Rice Bowl are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Mexican Rice Bowl as ultra-processed markers: malt extract, spice extract. 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.