Waitrose

Tarka Dal

Barcode 5000169188019

Scanned 7 times by Nomi users

No — Tarka Dal is not ultra-processed.

The ingredient list consists only of basic, minimally processed culinary ingredients (water, split chickpeas, vegetables, spices, rapeseed oil, herbs, salt). There are no industrial additives, refined syrups, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, emulsifiers, or other markers of ultra-processing according to NOVA.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

water

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

split chickpeas (24%)
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

tomato

A round, red fruit commonly used as a vegetable in cooking. Mostly water with sugars, fiber, and micronutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

diced garlic
OK

ginger puree

Pureed ginger, a single-ingredient flavoring derived from fresh ginger.
OK

lemon juice

The clear, acidic juice extracted from lemons, used for brightness and acidity in foods and drinks.
OK

green chili

Fresh green chili pepper, adds heat and fresh flavor; edible fruit of Capsicum species.
OK

salt

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

coriander leaves

Fresh herb with bright, citrusy flavor used as garnish or flavoring.
OK

cumin

A warm, earthy spice from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, common in spice blends.
OK

cumin seeds

Flat, boat-shaped seeds from the cumin plant, offering a warm, earthy, citrusy aroma used in spice blends and cooking.
UPF

asafoetida

A resinous spice derived from the Ferula plant, typically used in Indian cooking as a potent, sulfurous-smelling flavor enhancer often used in small amounts in spice blends and tempering oils.
OK

turmeric

A bright orange-yellow root commonly used as a spice and for its active compound curcumin, with warm, earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
OK

chilli powder allergy advice: may contain peanuts
OK

nuts and sesame

Common questions about Tarka Dal

Is Tarka Dal ultra-processed?

No — Tarka Dal by Waitrose is not ultra-processed, so it is not a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list consists only of basic, minimally processed culinary ingredients (water, split chickpeas, vegetables, spices, rapeseed oil, herbs, salt). There are no industrial additives, refined syrups, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, emulsifiers, or other markers of ultra-processing according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in Tarka Dal are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Tarka Dal as an ultra-processed marker: asafoetida. 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.