Aldi

Quarter Pounder

Barcode 4088600346960

Yes — Quarter Pounder is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients and additives such as maltodextrin and dextrose, which are refined, isolated sugars used for texture, shelf life, and flavor modification. The presence of these ultra-processed additives is sufficient to make the overall product ultra-processed under the NOVA system, even though it also contains basic ingredients like beef, water, onion, wheat flour, salt, sugar, and spices.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

beef (80%)
OK

water

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

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

wheat flour

A basic flour ground from wheat, often enriched with added minerals and vitamins.
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.
UPF

dextrose

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

sugar

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

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.
OK

spice extracts allergy advice:

Common questions about Quarter Pounder

Is Quarter Pounder ultra-processed?

Yes — Quarter Pounder by Aldi is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients and additives such as maltodextrin and dextrose, which are refined, isolated sugars used for texture, shelf life, and flavor modification. The presence of these ultra-processed additives is sufficient to make the overall product ultra-processed under the NOVA system, even though it also contains basic ingredients like beef, water, onion, wheat flour, salt, sugar, and spices.

Which ingredients in Quarter Pounder are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Quarter Pounder as ultra-processed markers: maltodextrin, dextrose. 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.