Waitrose & Partners

Mexican Style Rice

Barcode 5000169547700

Scanned 8 times by Nomi users

Yes — Mexican Style Rice is ultra-processed.

This product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives: 'flavouring', 'smoked flavouring', and the colour additive 'paprika extract'. These extracted and formulated additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients and meet NOVA criteria for ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

cooked long grain rice (72%)
OK

sweetcorn (8%)
OK

adzuki beans (5%)
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

tomato paste

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

lime juice

Juice extracted from limes; a basic culinary ingredient used for acidity and flavor.
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

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

chilli

Chilli (chili pepper) is a pungent fruit used to add heat and spice to dishes. It is a natural plant product and widely used as a basic food ingredient.
OK

yeast powder

Powdered form of active dry yeast used as a leavening agent in baking or fermentation.
OK

smoked flavouring
OK

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
OK

coriander powder

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

cumin powder

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

paprika extract

A concentrated pigment derived from paprika used as a colorant in foods.
OK

turmeric powder

A bright-orange, finely ground spice from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, used for color and flavor in many cuisines; commonly used in curry blends and as a seasoning.

Swap it for something less processed

See all Pasta, Rice & Noodles →

Other pasta, rice & noodles Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Mexican Style Rice

Is Mexican Style Rice ultra-processed?

Yes — Mexican Style Rice by Waitrose & Partners is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives: 'flavouring', 'smoked flavouring', and the colour additive 'paprika extract'. These extracted and formulated additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients and meet NOVA criteria for ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in Mexican Style Rice are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Mexican Style Rice as ultra-processed markers: flavouring, 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.