Waitrose

Harissa

Barcode 5000169251492

Scanned 10 times by Nomi users

Yes — Harissa is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains the additive "colour (paprika extract)", which is an industrially extracted colour additive and explicitly pre-identified as a UPF ingredient. All other ingredients are basic culinary ingredients and would not by themselves make the product ultra-processed, but the presence of this colour additive is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

puréed roasted red pepper (52%)
OK

water

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

smoked paprika (3%)
OK

onion purée

A smooth paste made from onions, used to add sweetness and body to dishes.
OK

roasted garlic purée

Smooth purée made from garlic that has been roasted; used to impart mellow garlic flavor in sauces, dressings, and dishes.
OK

sugar

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

balsamic vinegar

A dark, concentrated vinegar traditionally made from grape must, aged to develop complex flavors.
OK

tomato paste

Concentrated tomato juice cooked down to a thick, concentrated concentrate used as a base or flavoring in sauces and dishes.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

lemon juice concentrate

Lemon juice that has been concentrated by removing water; used as a souring agent or flavoring in foods.
OK

salt

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

dried rose petals (0.5%)
OK

ground coriander

A spice ground from the dried seeds of Coriandrum sativum. Bright, citrusy, warm flavor widely used in spice blends and curries.
OK

ground cumin

A spice made from dried, ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum. Warm, earthy, slightly citrusy flavor commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.
UPF

colour (paprika extract)

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

dried mint

Dried leaves of the mint plant used as a seasoning or herb, imparting a cool, aromatic flavor to dishes and beverages.
OK

ground caraway
OK

ground pepper
OK

dried chillies

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Common questions about Harissa

Is Harissa ultra-processed?

Yes — Harissa by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains the additive "colour (paprika extract)", which is an industrially extracted colour additive and explicitly pre-identified as a UPF ingredient. All other ingredients are basic culinary ingredients and would not by themselves make the product ultra-processed, but the presence of this colour additive is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.

Which ingredients in Harissa are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Harissa as an ultra-processed marker: colour (paprika 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.