Tuna Sandwich

Barcode 253252006850

Yes — Tuna Sandwich is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains palm oil and palm kernel oil (highly refined oils), modified potato starch (industrial thickener), mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (emulsifier), guar gum and xanthan gum (stabilising gums), potassium sorbate (preservative), added flavouring, and added colour (carotenes). These industrial additives and refined ingredients place it in the ultra-processed category under NOVA.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour

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

skipjack tuna (fish)
OK

water

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

cucumber

A fresh, crunchy green vegetable commonly eaten raw in salads and as a snack.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

salt

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

thickener (modified potato starch)
OK

wheat gluten

Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
OK

sugar

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

yeast

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

palm kernel oil

Edible oil extracted from palm kernels, commonly used for frying, cooking, and as an ingredient in processed foods.
OK

acidity regulators (acetic acid, lactic acid)
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

stabilisers (guar gum, xanthan gum)
OK

ascorbic acid (flour treatment agent)

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

emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty)
UPF

potassium sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a widely used food preservative that inhibits the growth of molds, yeast, and some bacteria to extend shelf life.
OK

buttermilk powder

Dried buttermilk obtained from fermented milk; used as a dairy ingredient to provide dairy flavor and proteins in products.
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
OK

vitamin e (tocopherol)

A fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin used as a dietary supplement and stabilizer in fats and oils.
UPF

color (carotenes)

Food colorant derived from carotenes, used to impart or enhance yellow-orange hues in products.
OK

vitamin a

Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immunity, and cell function; commonly used as a dietary supplement or fortifying agent.
OK

vitamin d

Fat-soluble vitamin used for fortification and dietary supplementation; commonly present in foods as a nutrient or supplement.

Common questions about Tuna Sandwich

Is Tuna Sandwich ultra-processed?

Yes — Tuna Sandwich is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains palm oil and palm kernel oil (highly refined oils), modified potato starch (industrial thickener), mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (emulsifier), guar gum and xanthan gum (stabilising gums), potassium sorbate (preservative), added flavouring, and added colour (carotenes). These industrial additives and refined ingredients place it in the ultra-processed category under NOVA.

Which ingredients in Tuna Sandwich are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Tuna Sandwich as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, potassium sorbate, flavouring, color (carotenes). 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.