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Yes — Vegan Falafel is ultra-processed.
Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives: sorbic acid (preservative), natural flavourings (industrial flavouring agents), ferrous gluconate (mineral additive beyond basic fortification), and wheat fibre as an added isolated fibre. These extracted/isolated additives and flavourings place the product in the NOVA ultra-processed category, even though many base ingredients are whole foods like chickpeas and vegetables.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Fiorentina Sourdough Pizza
Crosta & Mollica
Not UPF
Fish Pie
Charlie Binghams
Not UPF
One Pot Meal Spanish Butter Bean Stew
BOL
Not UPF
Stonebaked Thin Margherita Pizza
Goodfella's
Not UPF
Incredible Curried Chickpeas
Jamie Oliver
Not UPF
Vegan Beetroot Burgers
Vemondo
Not UPF
Stone Baked Margherita Pizza
Tesco
Not UPF
Spanish Potato Tortilla Omelette
Unearthed
Not UPF
Buffalo Mozzarella and Sunsoaked Tomatoes - Tesco Finest
Tesco Finest
Not UPF
Semi-Dried Tomat, Buffalo Mozzarella & Basil Pesto Woodfired Sourdough Pizza
Lidl
Not UPF
Yes — Vegan Falafel by Lidl is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives: sorbic acid (preservative), natural flavourings (industrial flavouring agents), ferrous gluconate (mineral additive beyond basic fortification), and wheat fibre as an added isolated fibre. These extracted/isolated additives and flavourings place the product in the NOVA ultra-processed category, even though many base ingredients are whole foods like chickpeas and vegetables.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Moroccan Spiced Falafel by Gosh, Butternut squash, tomato & basil Falafel by Aldi, Moroccan Style Falafels by The deli. 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.