IKEA

Vegetable balls

Barcode 1704877950008

Scanned 24 times by Nomi users

Yes — Vegetable balls is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains yeast extract (a pre-identified UPF ingredient) and an industrial thickener (E461, methylcellulose). These extracted/modified additives are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods, even though many other ingredients are whole foods.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

chickpeas* (19%)
OK

carrots* (15%)
OK

peas* (15%)
OK

red peppers* (15%)
OK

corn* (14%)
OK

kale* (10%)
OK

rapeseed oil

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

pea protein

Protein derived from yellow peas, often sold as powder or isolate for texturizing and fortification.
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

pea starch

Starch extracted from peas; a refined carbohydrate used as a thickener or binder in foods.
OK

salt

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

thickener (e461)
OK

brown sugar

Unrefined or partially refined sugar with molasses giving a brown color and distinctive flavor; a basic sweetener.
UPF

yeast extract

A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
OK

dried onion

Dried form of the onion bulb, used as a seasoning; flavor-concentrated and shelf-stable.
OK

sage

An aromatic herb (Salvia officinalis) used to flavor meats, stuffings, and sauces; leaves are edible.
OK

dried carrot

A dried form of carrot root, used as a dehydrated vegetable ingredient; retains color and some sweetness.
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

parsley

A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.
OK

turmeric

A bright orange-yellow root commonly used as a spice and for its active compound curcumin, with warm, earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
OK

bay leaves

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Common questions about Vegetable balls

Is Vegetable balls ultra-processed?

Yes — Vegetable balls by IKEA is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains yeast extract (a pre-identified UPF ingredient) and an industrial thickener (E461, methylcellulose). These extracted/modified additives are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods, even though many other ingredients are whole foods.

Which ingredients in Vegetable balls are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Vegetable balls as ultra-processed markers: pea protein, yeast 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.