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Mexican rice by Taste of
Taste of

Mexican rice

Barcode 4056489240792
Scanned  39  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Mexican rice is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains yeast extract (a pre-identified UPF ingredient used as a flavour enhancer) and guar gum (a stabiliser/thickener). These are industrially processed additives characteristic of ultra-processed foods under the NOVA system.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    cooked long grain rice 77% (water, long grain rice)
  • OK
    sweetcorn 6%
  • OK
    tomato purée
    A tomato-based concentrate obtained by cooking down tomatoes, commonly used as a base or seasoning in dishes.
  • OK
    adzuki beans 4%
  • OK
    red pepper (bell pepper)
    A sweet, crisp red bell pepper pick or fresh pepper used for color, flavor, and nutrition; typically eaten raw or cooked.
  • OK
    sunflower oil
    A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
  • OK
    sugar
    Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
  • OK
    jalapeño pepper
    A medium-sized chili pepper with green to red coloration, known for bright, hot flavor.
  • 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
    lemon juice
    The clear, acidic juice extracted from lemons, used for brightness and acidity in foods and drinks.
  • OK
    ground cumin
    A spice made from dried, ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum. Warm, earthy, slightly citrusy flavor commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.
  • OK
    dried onion
    Dried form of the onion bulb, used as a seasoning; flavor-concentrated and shelf-stable.
  • 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
    dried garlic
    Dehydrated garlic cloves ground or whole, used as a pungent seasoning with long shelf life.
  • OK
    garlic purée
    Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
  • UPF
    guar gum
    A plant-derived polysaccharide used as a thickener and stabiliser in a wide range of foods.
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • OK
    colour (paprika)

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Good Grains Spanish Style Grains
Not Ultra-Processed
Good Grains Spanish Style Grains
Worldwide Foods, Aldi, Aldi Worldwide Foods
View product →
Brown, Red & Wild Wholegrain Rice
Not Ultra-Processed
Brown, Red & Wild Wholegrain Rice
Merchant Gourmet
View product →
Caribbean Rice & Peas Basmati Rice
Not Ultra-Processed
Caribbean Rice & Peas Basmati Rice
Tilda
View product →
wholegrain and wild rice
Not Ultra-Processed
wholegrain and wild rice
Sainsburys
View product →

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 Mexican rice

Is Mexican rice ultra-processed?

Yes — Mexican rice by Taste of is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains yeast extract (a pre-identified UPF ingredient used as a flavour enhancer) and guar gum (a stabiliser/thickener). These are industrially processed additives characteristic of ultra-processed foods under the NOVA system.

Which ingredients in Mexican rice are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Mexican rice as ultra-processed markers: yeast extract, turmeric extract, guar gum. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Mexican rice?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Good Grains Spanish Style Grains by Worldwide Foods, Aldi, Aldi Worldwide Foods, Brown, Red & Wild Wholegrain Rice by Merchant Gourmet, Caribbean Rice & Peas Basmati Rice by Tilda. 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.

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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.

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