Waitrose

Pilau Rice

Barcode 5000169547694

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — Pilau Rice is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and extracts. Specifically: (1) 'flavouring' is a pre-identified UPF ingredient (industrial flavoring agent); (2) 'cumin extract', 'cardamom extract', and 'clove extract' are isolated flavor extracts rather than whole culinary ingredients, which fits NOVA’s ultra-processed category; and (3) the color additive 'colour: curcumin' is an added coloring agent. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing and move the product into the ultra-processed category, even though the base is mostly cooked basmati rice and culinary spices.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

cooked basmati rice (96%)
OK

sunflower oil and/or rapeseed oil
UPF

flavouring

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

onion powder

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

turmeric powder (0.1%)
OK

cumin seeds (0.1%)
UPF

curcumin

Natural yellow-orange pigment derived from turmeric used as a food colorant.
OK

cardamom powder

Powder made from dried cardamom seeds, prized for its strong, sweet-lemongrass aroma and used in spice blends, desserts, and beverages.
OK

cardamom seeds

Cardamom seeds are the dried seeds of the cardamom plant, known for citrusy-menthol aroma and used as a spice.
OK

cumin extract
OK

cardamom extract
OK

clove extract

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Common questions about Pilau Rice

Is Pilau Rice ultra-processed?

Yes — Pilau Rice by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and extracts. Specifically: (1) 'flavouring' is a pre-identified UPF ingredient (industrial flavoring agent); (2) 'cumin extract', 'cardamom extract', and 'clove extract' are isolated flavor extracts rather than whole culinary ingredients, which fits NOVA’s ultra-processed category; and (3) the color additive 'colour: curcumin' is an added coloring agent. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing and move the product into the ultra-processed category, even though the base is mostly cooked basmati rice and culinary spices.

Which ingredients in Pilau Rice are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Pilau Rice as ultra-processed markers: flavouring, curcumin. 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.