Waitrose

Cream of mushroom soup

Barcode 5000169107317

Yes — Cream of mushroom soup is ultra-processed.

This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) according to the NOVA system. The ingredient list is valid. It contains several industrial additives and formulations, including modified maize starch, flavourings, yeast extract, and sage extract, all of which are explicitly considered UPF ingredients. These are used as thickeners, flavor enhancers, and processed extracts rather than basic culinary ingredients, so the overall product is UPF.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

double cream 4%

Dairy cream with about 4% fat; a basic culinary ingredient.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

modified maize starch

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

milk proteins

Proteins derived from milk (e.g., casein, whey proteins) used as a food ingredient to add texture, nutrition, or functional properties.
OK

wheat flour

Finely ground cereal flour from wheat; a fundamental baking ingredient.
OK

potato starch

A basic, finely ground starch derived from potatoes; used as a thickener and binder in foods.
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
OK

salt

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

sherry

A fortified wine used as a cooking ingredient or beverage.
UPF

yeast extract

A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
OK

black pepper

A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
UPF

sage extract

Derived from sage leaves; concentrated extract used as a flavoring.

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Common questions about Cream of mushroom soup

Is Cream of mushroom soup ultra-processed?

Yes — Cream of mushroom soup by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) according to the NOVA system. The ingredient list is valid. It contains several industrial additives and formulations, including modified maize starch, flavourings, yeast extract, and sage extract, all of which are explicitly considered UPF ingredients. These are used as thickeners, flavor enhancers, and processed extracts rather than basic culinary ingredients, so the overall product is UPF.

Which ingredients in Cream of mushroom soup are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Cream of mushroom soup as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, flavourings, yeast extract, sage extract. 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.