M&S

Spiced Lentil Curry

Barcode 29422395

Yes — Spiced Lentil Curry is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains tamarind extract, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient and an industrially processed extract. All other ingredients (lentils, oils, spices, herbs, vegetable purées) are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of tamarind extract is sufficient to classify the whole product as UPF under the given rules.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

cooked red lentils (water, red lentils)
OK

rapeseed oil

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

ginger purée

A smooth paste made from ginger, used to impart ginger flavor in sauces and dishes.
OK

tomato paste

Concentrated tomato juice cooked down to a thick, concentrated concentrate used as a base or flavoring in sauces and dishes.
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
OK

green chillies

Unripe hot peppers used to add heat and flavor; can be fresh or dried.
OK

salt

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

tamarind extract

Concentrated extract derived from tamarind pulp; used for sour flavor in sauces and beverages.
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

cumin seeds

Flat, boat-shaped seeds from the cumin plant, offering a warm, earthy, citrusy aroma used in spice blends and cooking.
OK

ground garam masala (roasted coriander, roasted cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, mace, roasted green cardamom seeds, ginger, fennel, cloves, nutmeg, bay leaves)
OK

curry leaves
OK

black mustard seeds

Dried seeds of Brassica nigra used as a spice; a single-ingredient, minimally processed food.
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

dried red chillies

Common questions about Spiced Lentil Curry

Is Spiced Lentil Curry ultra-processed?

Yes — Spiced Lentil Curry by M&S is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains tamarind extract, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient and an industrially processed extract. All other ingredients (lentils, oils, spices, herbs, vegetable purées) are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of tamarind extract is sufficient to classify the whole product as UPF under the given rules.

Which ingredients in Spiced Lentil Curry are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Spiced Lentil Curry as an ultra-processed marker: tamarind 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.