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Yes — Pickled Pink Onions is ultra-processed.
The product contains potassium sorbate, which is a preservative additive, making it ultra-processed according to the NOVA classification. The rest of the ingredients (onion, water, vinegars, sugar, salt) are minimally processed, but the presence of this industrial additive classifies the overall product as UPF.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other cupboard staples Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Garden Peas
Aldi Every Day Essentials
Not UPF
Butter Beans in water
Summer Pride
Not UPF
Azeitonas Lidl
Baresa
Not UPF
Green lentils in water
Four seasons
Not UPF
Mixed Beans
Four Seasons
Not UPF
Black Beans in Water
Four Seasons
Not UPF
Green Lentils in Water
Freshona
Not UPF
Mixed Beans
Lidl
Not UPF
Aurinkokuivattuja tomaatteja
Lidl Baresa, Lidl
Not UPF
Yes — Pickled Pink Onions by Aldi is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains potassium sorbate, which is a preservative additive, making it ultra-processed according to the NOVA classification. The rest of the ingredients (onion, water, vinegars, sugar, salt) are minimally processed, but the presence of this industrial additive classifies the overall product as UPF.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Pink pickled onions by By sainsbury's, Pickled red onions by M&S Food, Premium Pickled Onions Hot & Spicy by Barry Norman. 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.
This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.
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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.
