Yes — Reduced Fat Coconut Milk is ultra-processed.
The product contains stabilisers (guar gum and carboxy methyl cellulose) and an emulsifier (sucrose esters of fatty acids). These are industrial additives (emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners) used to modify texture and stability, which classifies the product as ultra-processed according to NOVA.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other plant-based dairy Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Hafer Barista
VEMUNDO, Lidl
Not UPF
Coconut Organic
RUDE HEALTH
Not UPF
Nordic Oat Drink
Jörd, Arla
Not UPF
Oat Drink Organic
Oatly
Not UPF
Plenish organic coconut milk
Plenish
Not UPF
Oatly Barista Organic Oat Drink
Oatly
Not UPF
Plenish Barista Organic Almond Drink
Plenish
Not UPF
Coconut Drink with Rice and Calcium
RUDE HEALTH
Not UPF
Everyday oat
Minor Figures
Not UPF
Barista Edition Haferdrink
Oatly
Not UPF
Yes — Reduced Fat Coconut Milk by Essential Waitrose & Partners is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains stabilisers (guar gum and carboxy methyl cellulose) and an emulsifier (sucrose esters of fatty acids). These are industrial additives (emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners) used to modify texture and stability, which classifies the product as ultra-processed according to NOVA.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Reduced Fat Coconut Milk as an ultra-processed marker: emulsifier (sucrose esters of fatty acids). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Coconut milk by Plenish, Coconut Milk by Biona Organic, Coconut milk by Tropical sun. 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.
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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.