Nomi
UPF Food Scanner
Know what’s really in your food
Get the free app
Pilau Microwave Rice by Lidl
Lidl

Pilau Microwave Rice

Barcode 4056489222491
Scanned  28  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

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).

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    95% cooked long grain rice (water, long grain rice)
  • OK
    vegetable oil (sunflower oil or rapeseed oil)
  • OK
    dried onion
    Dried form of the onion bulb, used as a seasoning; flavor-concentrated and shelf-stable.
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • 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.
  • 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
    cumin seeds
    Flat, boat-shaped seeds from the cumin plant, offering a warm, earthy, citrusy aroma used in spice blends and cooking.
  • OK
    fennel seeds
    Dried seeds of the Foeniculum vulgare plant, with a sweet, licorice-like flavor; used whole or ground in baking, cooking, and as a spice.
  • OK
    savoury seasoning (water, dried yeast extract, rapeseed oil, salt, dried onion, white wine vinegar, flavouring, sugar, dried garlic, coarse ground black pepper)
  • OK
    ground cinnamon
    A spice derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, ground into fine powder for flavoring and aroma in foods.
  • UPF
    flavouring
    A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Swap it for something less processed

See all Pasta, Rice & Noodles →

Other pasta, rice & noodles Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Pilau Microwave Rice

Is Pilau Microwave Rice ultra-processed?

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).

Which ingredients in Pilau Microwave Rice are ultra-processed?

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.

What are healthier alternatives to Pilau Microwave Rice?

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.

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.

BBC As seen on The One Show

Scan it yourself,
right in the aisle

This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.

  • Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label
  • Every ingredient explained in plain English
  • Daily check-ins show how food affects how you feel
  • Save favourites and build a healthier shopping list

Free download · No subscription needed to start scanning

Nomi monthly wellbeing report
Nomi scan result screen

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.

Nomi — UPF Scanner Free on iOS & Android
Get the app