Waitrose, Essential Waitrose

Red Kidney Beans in Chilli Sauce

Barcode 5000169195314

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — Red Kidney Beans in Chilli Sauce is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified maize starch and flavouring, which are industrial additives used as thickeners/stabilizers and flavoring agents, respectively. These ingredients place the product in the NOVA ultra-processed category, even though many other components (beans, tomato purée, herbs, spices, oil) are minimally processed.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

red kidney beans

Common legume used as a protein source in cuisines worldwide; typically sold canned or dried.
OK

tomato purée

A tomato-based concentrate obtained by cooking down tomatoes, commonly used as a base or seasoning in dishes.
OK

water

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

sugar

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

chilli powder

Ground dried chili peppers used as a spice to add heat and flavor in dishes. It is a basic single-ingredient spice.
UPF

modified maize starch

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

paprika

A ground spice made from dried red peppers (Capsicum species), used for color and flavor in many cuisines.
OK

salt

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

cumin

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

garlic powder

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

coriander (cilantro seeds)

Dried seeds of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum). Warm, citrusy flavor used ground or as whole seeds in spice blends and curries.
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

onion powder

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

basil

A leafy herb used fresh or dried to flavor dishes; not typically processed as a food ingredient beyond drying or freshness.
OK

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
OK

thyme

A small, woody perennial herb with fragrant leaves used to flavor dishes, soups, and stews.
OK

oregano

A dried aromatic herb used as a spice in cooking, with a warm, slightly bitter flavor.
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.

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Common questions about Red Kidney Beans in Chilli Sauce

Is Red Kidney Beans in Chilli Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Red Kidney Beans in Chilli Sauce by Waitrose, Essential Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified maize starch and flavouring, which are industrial additives used as thickeners/stabilizers and flavoring agents, respectively. These ingredients place the product in the NOVA ultra-processed category, even though many other components (beans, tomato purée, herbs, spices, oil) are minimally processed.

Which ingredients in Red Kidney Beans in Chilli Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Red Kidney Beans in Chilli Sauce as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, flavouring. 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.