Aldi

Meat-Free Meatballs

Barcode 4061459303186

Scanned 16 times by Nomi users

Yes — Meat-Free Meatballs is ultra-processed.

The product is UPF because it contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including yeast extract and dextrose (pre-identified UPF ingredients), as well as maltodextrin, malted barley extract, flavouring, and the stabiliser methyl cellulose. These are industrially processed ingredients and additives used to modify texture, flavour, and shelf life, which places the product in the ultra-processed NOVA category.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

rehydrated textured soya protein (63%)
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

onion purée (9%)
OK

rapeseed oil

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

soya protein concentrate
OK

chickpea flour

Fine flour milled from chickpeas (garbanzo beans); a common gluten-free ingredient used in batters, coatings, and baking.
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

stabiliser: methyl cellulose; tomato purée
OK

parsley

A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
OK

onion powder

Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.
UPF

dextrose

A simple sugar derived from glucose. Commonly used as a sweetener and source of quick energy in foods.
OK

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
UPF

malted barley extract

A concentrated extract from malted barley, used as a brewing adjunct or flavoring. It may be used in foods and drinks for sweetness or malt flavor.
OK

salt

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

black pepper

A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

white pepper

A spice ground from ripe peppercorns with the outer husk removed, used to impart mild heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

tomato powder

Powdered tomato used as a flavoring or ingredient, a minimally processed dried tomato product.
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.

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Common questions about Meat-Free Meatballs

Is Meat-Free Meatballs ultra-processed?

Yes — Meat-Free Meatballs by Aldi is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is UPF because it contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including yeast extract and dextrose (pre-identified UPF ingredients), as well as maltodextrin, malted barley extract, flavouring, and the stabiliser methyl cellulose. These are industrially processed ingredients and additives used to modify texture, flavour, and shelf life, which places the product in the ultra-processed NOVA category.

Which ingredients in Meat-Free Meatballs are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Meat-Free Meatballs as ultra-processed markers: yeast extract, maltodextrin, dextrose, malted barley extract, flavouring. 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.