waitrose

Free range unsmoked streaky beacon

Barcode 5000169268155

Yes — Free range unsmoked streaky beacon is ultra-processed.

This bacon contains curing agents and additives such as potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite, which are industrial additives used for preservation and color, making it an ultra-processed food under NOVA. Sodium ascorbate is also an additive used as an antioxidant in processed meats.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

pork belly 97%
OK

sea salt

A basic mineral-rich salt derived from evaporated seawater, used as a seasoning and preservative.
UPF

potassium nitrate

A chemical curing salt used to preserve meat and develop cured colour; an inorganic salt often used in processed meats.
UPF

sodium nitrite

A chemical curing salt used to preserve meat, inhibit bacteria, and fix colour; an inorganic nitrite additive.
UPF

sodium ascorbate

Sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) used as an antioxidant in foods and beverages.

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Common questions about Free range unsmoked streaky beacon

Is Free range unsmoked streaky beacon ultra-processed?

Yes — Free range unsmoked streaky beacon by waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This bacon contains curing agents and additives such as potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite, which are industrial additives used for preservation and color, making it an ultra-processed food under NOVA. Sodium ascorbate is also an additive used as an antioxidant in processed meats.

Which ingredients in Free range unsmoked streaky beacon are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Free range unsmoked streaky beacon as ultra-processed markers: potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite, sodium ascorbate. 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.