Yes — Dirty rice is ultra-processed.
The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and extracts, specifically yeast extract, yeast extract powder, glucose syrup, stabiliser guar gum, onion extract, and garlic extract. These are isolated or industrially processed ingredients used for flavor enhancement, texture modification, or sweetness, which places the product in the UPF category under NOVA.
Other pasta, rice & noodles Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Moroccan style Fruity Couscous
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Singapore Style Noodles
By Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Spinach ravioli
Sainsbury's,Plant Pioneers
Not UPF
Buffalo Milk Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli
Specially Selected
Not UPF
Mozzarella roasted tomato and basil girasoli
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Pasta Bowl Feta & Slow Roasted Tomato with a Tomato & Basil Dressing
M&S Food
Not UPF
Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Free range egg pasta ricotta cheese and spinach filling
Waitrose
Not UPF
Butternut Squash and Provola Girasoli
Tesco
Not UPF
Dell' Ugo Pumpkin Gnocchi
Dell' Ugo
Not UPF
Yes — Dirty rice by Aldi is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and extracts, specifically yeast extract, yeast extract powder, glucose syrup, stabiliser guar gum, onion extract, and garlic extract. These are isolated or industrially processed ingredients used for flavor enhancement, texture modification, or sweetness, which places the product in the UPF category under NOVA.
Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Dirty rice as ultra-processed markers: yeast extract, yeast extract powder, glucose syrup, garlic extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
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.