Waitrose

Baked beans

Barcode 5000169061671

Scanned 18 times by Nomi users

Yes — Baked beans is ultra-processed.

This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF). While it contains basic ingredients like beans, water, tomato purée, sugar, salt, spices, and rapeseed oil that are not UPF on their own, it also includes clearly ultra-processed ingredients and additives. Specifically, modified maize starch (an industrially modified starch used as a thickener), natural flavouring (an industrial flavoring additive), and garlic extract (an isolated extract used for flavoring) are all considered UPF according to NOVA and the provided rules. The presence of these industrial formulations is sufficient to classify the overall product as ultra-processed.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

haricot beans

Small white beans commonly used in stews and salads; a legume rich in protein and fiber.
OK

water

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

tomato purée

Cooked tomato product, thickened puree used as a base or sauce ingredient.
OK

sugar

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

modified maize starch

A processed starch, often used as a thickener or binding agent in foods; may be treated to modify properties.
OK

salt

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

natural flavouring

A generic flavoring ingredient derived from natural sources used to impart aroma or taste; may include essential oils or extracts.
OK

onion powder

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

ground paprika

A ground spice made from dried peppers, used for color and flavor.
UPF

colour (paprika extract)

Natural color additive derived from paprika used to impart a red-orange hue in foods.
OK

paprika oil

A culinary oil derived from paprika peppers, either pressed from the seeds/fruit or infused with paprika to impart a subtle pepper flavor and red-orange color.
OK

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

clove extract
OK

cinnamon extract
OK

chilli extract

Extract derived from chili peppers used to impart heat or flavor.
UPF

garlic extract

A flavoring made by concentrating compounds from garlic, used to impart garlic flavor in foods and seasonings.
UPF

silicon dioxide

A fine, naturally occurring mineral (SiO2) used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in powdered foods and seasonings.

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Common questions about Baked beans

Is Baked beans ultra-processed?

Yes — Baked beans by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF). While it contains basic ingredients like beans, water, tomato purée, sugar, salt, spices, and rapeseed oil that are not UPF on their own, it also includes clearly ultra-processed ingredients and additives. Specifically, modified maize starch (an industrially modified starch used as a thickener), natural flavouring (an industrial flavoring additive), and garlic extract (an isolated extract used for flavoring) are all considered UPF according to NOVA and the provided rules. The presence of these industrial formulations is sufficient to classify the overall product as ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Baked beans are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Baked beans as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, natural flavouring, colour (paprika extract), garlic extract, silicon dioxide. 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.