Ashfields (Aldi)

Chicked

Barcode 4088600039077

Yes — Chicked is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients/additives: maltodextrin (an industrially processed sugar), flavourings (added flavour compounds), black pepper extract (an isolated extract used as a flavour enhancer), and barley malt vinegar extract (a processed flavouring extract). Any one of these is sufficient for NOVA ultra-processed classification, so the presence of all of them clearly makes this a UPF.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

chicken (91%)
OK

water

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

salt

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

herbs

A general category of culinary herbs (fresh or dried leaves) used to flavor dishes.
OK

dried garlic

Dehydrated garlic cloves ground or whole, used as a pungent seasoning with long shelf life.
OK

sugar

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

dried onion

Dried form of the onion bulb, used as a seasoning; flavor-concentrated and shelf-stable.
OK

sunflower oil

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

ground white pepper

Ground white pepper is a spice produced from the seeds of the ripe pepper fruit with the outer black skin removed, offering a milder, slightly fermented pepper flavor compared to black pepper.
OK

barley malt vinegar extract
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
OK

onion powder

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

black pepper extract

A concentrated extract from black pepper used to impart aroma and slight heat.

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Other meat & poultry Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Chicked

Is Chicked ultra-processed?

Yes — Chicked by Ashfields (Aldi) is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients/additives: maltodextrin (an industrially processed sugar), flavourings (added flavour compounds), black pepper extract (an isolated extract used as a flavour enhancer), and barley malt vinegar extract (a processed flavouring extract). Any one of these is sufficient for NOVA ultra-processed classification, so the presence of all of them clearly makes this a UPF.

Which ingredients in Chicked are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Chicked as ultra-processed markers: maltodextrin, flavourings, black pepper extract. 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.