Waitrose

sweet pickled onions

Barcode 5000169269787

Yes — sweet pickled onions is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredients include barley malt extract (an industrial flavoring extract), spice extracts (isolated flavor compounds), and the preservative sodium metabisulphite, all of which are additives characteristic of NOVA group 4 ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

silverskin onion
OK

water

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

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
OK

sugar

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

salt

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

acetic acid

Acidity regulator and acidulant used in foods; a basic chemical ingredient.
UPF

Barley Malt Extract

Barley malt extract is a sweetener made from malted barley grains.
UPF

spice extracts

Concentrated flavouring derived from spices; a processed extract used to impart aroma or taste.
UPF

sodium metabisulphite

A sulfur-containing preservative used to inhibit oxidation and browning in foods; it is an additive often used in dried fruits, wines, and beverages. May cause allergic/kata-sensitive reactions in some individuals.

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Common questions about sweet pickled onions

Is sweet pickled onions ultra-processed?

Yes — sweet pickled onions by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredients include barley malt extract (an industrial flavoring extract), spice extracts (isolated flavor compounds), and the preservative sodium metabisulphite, all of which are additives characteristic of NOVA group 4 ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in sweet pickled onions are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in sweet pickled onions as ultra-processed markers: Barley Malt Extract, spice extracts, sodium metabisulphite. 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.