Yes — Pilau Microwave Rice is ultra-processed.
The product contains ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including yeast extract and flavouring (both explicitly classified as UPF ingredients), as well as savoury seasoning with industrially processed components. Therefore, according to NOVA, this is an ultra-processed food (UPF).
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other pasta, rice & noodles Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Medium Egg Noodles imp
Blue Dragon
Not UPF
Sainsburys Basmati Rice
Sainsbury's,Sainsburys
Not UPF
Chickpea Fusilli
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Linguine n° 7
De Cecco
Not UPF
Wholegrain Basmati & Quinoa Rice
Tilda
Not UPF
Green Pea Penne
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Penne Rigate N°66
Rummo
Not UPF
Mama Instant Rice Noodles
Mama
Not UPF
instant rice vermicelli noodles
mams
Not UPF
Basmati Rice
Tesco
Not UPF
Yes — Pilau Microwave Rice by Lidl is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including yeast extract and flavouring (both explicitly classified as UPF ingredients), as well as savoury seasoning with industrially processed components. Therefore, according to NOVA, this is an ultra-processed food (UPF).
Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Pilau Microwave Rice as ultra-processed markers: turmeric extract, yeast extract, flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Pure Basmati Rice by Tilda, Basmati rice by Aldi, Tast of - Basmati Microwave Rice by Golden sun,Taste of. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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.
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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.