Yes — Special Golden Veg Rice is ultra-processed.
A convenient side dish, but not ideal for everyday eating.
This is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and extracts: yeast extract powder and flavouring are used to enhance taste; turmeric extract is an isolated extract; guar gum is a stabiliser; and maltodextrin is an industrially processed carbohydrate. These ingredients are sufficient for a UPF classification under NOVA. The cooked rice and vegetables are otherwise minimally processed, and the rapeseed or sunflower oil, sugar, spices, and salt do not independently make the product UPF.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Tast of - Basmati Microwave Rice
Golden sun,Taste of
Not UPF
Basmati
Ben's
Not UPF
Rice noodles chick-n ramen
Itsu
Not UPF
Pasta, Spinach & Pine Kernels
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Caribbean Rice & Peas Basmati Rice
Tilda
Not UPF
Spinach, Buffalo Ricotta, Pine Nuts Girasoli
Tesco
Not UPF
FRESH EGG PASTA TAGLIATELLE
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Gnocchis tomato & mozzarella
Giovanni Rana
Not UPF
Basil and Pine Nut Ravioli
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference
Not UPF
Pumpkin & Pine Nuts Girasoli
Aldi Specially Selected
Not UPF
Yes — Special Golden Veg Rice by Worldwide Foods is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and extracts: yeast extract powder and flavouring are used to enhance taste; turmeric extract is an isolated extract; guar gum is a stabiliser; and maltodextrin is an industrially processed carbohydrate. These ingredients are sufficient for a UPF classification under NOVA. The cooked rice and vegetables are otherwise minimally processed, and the rapeseed or sunflower oil, sugar, spices, and salt do not independently make the product UPF.
Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Special Golden Veg Rice as ultra-processed markers: yeast extract powder, turmeric extract, guar gum (stabiliser), maltodextrin, flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Vegetable & Wholegrain Rice by Tilda. 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.