Marks & Spencer

Microwave golden vegetable rice

Barcode 29052066

Yes — Microwave golden vegetable rice is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several UPF ingredients/additives, including yeast extract, turmeric extract, stabiliser: guar gum, and natural flavourings. These are industrially processed additives used for flavour enhancement, colour, and texture modification, which places the product in the ultra-processed category according to NOVA.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

cooked long grain rice (80%) (water, long grain rice)
OK

red peppers (4.5%)
OK

carrots (4%)
OK

sweetcorn (3%)
OK

peas

Small green legume seeds harvested for their sweet, tender flesh; used as a vegetable in many dishes.
OK

dried onions

Dehydrated onion flakes or powder used to impart onion flavour; essentially a preserved form of a basic vegetable.
OK

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
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

sugar

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

turmeric extract

A concentrated extract derived from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa), used as a spice/flavoring or functional ingredient in foods and supplements.
OK

salt

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

lemon juice

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

guar gum (stabiliser)

A plant-derived thickener and stabiliser used to improve texture and emulsion stability in foods.
OK

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
OK

dried garlic

Dehydrated garlic cloves ground or whole, used as a pungent seasoning with long shelf life.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

dried carrots
OK

black pepper

A common spice consisting of dried peppercorns, used ground or cracked to add sharp, pungent heat and aroma to savory dishes.
OK

turmeric

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

natural flavourings

Flavorings derived from natural sources used to impart taste or aroma; typically a mix of essential oils, compounds, or extracts.

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Common questions about Microwave golden vegetable rice

Is Microwave golden vegetable rice ultra-processed?

Yes — Microwave golden vegetable rice by Marks & Spencer is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several UPF ingredients/additives, including yeast extract, turmeric extract, stabiliser: guar gum, and natural flavourings. These are industrially processed additives used for flavour enhancement, colour, and texture modification, which places the product in the ultra-processed category according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in Microwave golden vegetable rice are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Microwave golden vegetable rice as ultra-processed markers: yeast extract, turmeric extract, guar gum (stabiliser), natural flavourings. 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.