Waitrose

Chilli con carne

Barcode 5000169478134

Yes — Chilli con carne is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as UPF because it contains yeast extract, which is an industrially processed flavor enhancer and is explicitly categorized as an ultra-processed ingredient in the NOVA-based rules provided. Other ingredients like caramelised sugar syrup and beef extract further support the UPF classification as they are industrially processed extracts/sweeteners beyond basic culinary ingredients.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

cooked rice (water, long grain rice)
OK

beef (21%)
OK

passata (tomato purée)

Tomato purée used as a base sauce in cooking.
OK

red kidney beans (6%)
OK

red pepper (bell pepper)

A sweet, crisp red bell pepper pick or fresh pepper used for color, flavor, and nutrition; typically eaten raw or cooked.
OK

water

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

onion

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

tomato paste

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

lemon juice

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

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
OK

smoked paprika

A spice made from dried, smoked, and ground red peppers (pimentón). Rich, sweet-smoky flavor with mild heat used in numerous cuisines including Spanish dishes.
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

cumin powder

Ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum, a warm, earthy spice used in various cuisines.
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

coriander powder

Ground coriander seeds, a warm, citrusy spice used worldwide in curry blends and seasoning.
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

beef extract

Concentrated meat flavor extract derived from beef; considered ultra-processed due to being an extracted flavoring often produced through industrial processes.
UPF

yeast extract

A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
OK

dried oregano

A dried herb from the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare). Offers pungent, warm, slightly bitter flavors and is widely used in Italian and Greek cooking.
UPF

caramelised sugar syrup

A syrup derived from sugar heated to create caramelization; a processed sugars product commonly used as a sweetener or flavoring.
OK

ground bay leaf

Dried ground leaves of the bay laurel used as a spice or flavoring in soups, stews, and sauces.

Swap it for something less processed

See all Ready Meals →

Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Chilli con carne

Is Chilli con carne ultra-processed?

Yes — Chilli con carne by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as UPF because it contains yeast extract, which is an industrially processed flavor enhancer and is explicitly categorized as an ultra-processed ingredient in the NOVA-based rules provided. Other ingredients like caramelised sugar syrup and beef extract further support the UPF classification as they are industrially processed extracts/sweeteners beyond basic culinary ingredients.

Which ingredients in Chilli con carne are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Chilli con carne as ultra-processed markers: beef extract, yeast extract, caramelised sugar syrup. 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.