Barley Quinoa Salad

Barcode 4069344012601

Yes — Barley Quinoa Salad is ultra-processed.

This mixed grain and bean salad is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients. The use of flavouring indicates added industrial flavour compounds. Colour: paprika extract is an added colouring agent. The stabiliser ferrous gluconate in the olives is an industrial additive used to maintain colour and texture. These extracted and synthesized additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients, so under NOVA this product is considered ultra-processed, even though many of its components (grains, beans, vegetables, oils, herbs, and spices) are minimally processed foods.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

cooked pearl barley (70%)
OK

cooked red quinoa (12%)
OK

cooked pinto beans (5%)
OK

tomato paste

Concentrated tomato juice cooked down to a thick, concentrated concentrate used as a base or flavoring in sauces and dishes.
OK

black olives (3%) (black olives, salt, stabiliser: ferrous gluconate)
OK

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
OK

sundried tomatoes (1%)
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
OK

smoked paprika

A spice made from dried, smoked, and ground red peppers (pimentón). Rich, sweet-smoky flavor with mild heat used in numerous cuisines including Spanish dishes.
OK

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
OK

onion powder

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

salt

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

paprika extract

A concentrated pigment derived from paprika used as a colorant in foods.
OK

oregano

A dried aromatic herb used as a spice in cooking, with a warm, slightly bitter flavor.
OK

white wine vinegar

A clear, mild vinegar made from fermented white wine, used for acidity in dressings, marinades, and pickling.
OK

garlic powder

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

rapeseed oil

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

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
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

chilli powder

Ground dried chili peppers used as a spice to add heat and flavor in dishes. It is a basic single-ingredient spice.
OK

water

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

flavouring

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

rosemary

A fragrant herb used fresh or dried to season dishes and compounds like oils and butters.

Common questions about Barley Quinoa Salad

Is Barley Quinoa Salad ultra-processed?

Yes — Barley Quinoa Salad is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This mixed grain and bean salad is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients. The use of flavouring indicates added industrial flavour compounds. Colour: paprika extract is an added colouring agent. The stabiliser ferrous gluconate in the olives is an industrial additive used to maintain colour and texture. These extracted and synthesized additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients, so under NOVA this product is considered ultra-processed, even though many of its components (grains, beans, vegetables, oils, herbs, and spices) are minimally processed foods.

Which ingredients in Barley Quinoa Salad are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Barley Quinoa Salad as ultra-processed markers: paprika 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.