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falafel by Waitrose
Waitrose

falafel

Barcode 5000169568545
Scanned  14  times by Nomi users
Not Ultra-Processed

No — falafel is not ultra-processed.

The ingredient list consists mainly of whole or minimally processed foods (chickpeas, vegetables, herbs, spices, basic flour, sugar, oil). It does not include industrial additives such as emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers, or industrially processed syrups. Rapeseed oil and fortified wheat flour are considered basic culinary ingredients, not UPF, under the given rules.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    onion
    A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
  • OK
    chickpeas (21%)
  • OK
    rapeseed oil
    A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
  • OK
    water
    Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
  • OK
    chopped dried apricots (5%) (apricots, rice flour, sulphites)
  • OK
    fortified wheat flour
    Flour that has had minerals and vitamins added (calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin) to enhance nutrition; used as a baking base and staple ingredient.
  • OK
    ground yellow split peas
  • OK
    parsley
    A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.
  • OK
    sultanas
    Dried seedless grapes; common ingredient in baking and dried fruit mixes.
  • OK
    lemon juice
    The clear, acidic juice extracted from lemons, used for brightness and acidity in foods and drinks.
  • OK
    garlic purée
    Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
  • OK
    cornflour (sulphites)
  • OK
    cumin
    A warm, earthy spice from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, common in spice blends.
  • OK
    ground split chickpeas
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • OK
    ginger purée
    A smooth paste made from ginger, used to impart ginger flavor in sauces and dishes.
  • OK
    ground coriander
    A spice ground from the dried seeds of Coriandrum sativum. Bright, citrusy, warm flavor widely used in spice blends and curries.
  • OK
    chopped mint
  • OK
    coriander leaves
    Fresh herb with bright, citrusy flavor used as garnish or flavoring.
  • OK
    fennel
    A flavorful, aromatic herb with feathery leaves and a bulbous base, used as an herb or vegetable in cooking.
  • OK
    paprika
    A ground spice made from dried red peppers (Capsicum species), used for color and flavor in many cuisines.
  • OK
    lemon zest
    Fresh citrus peel grated or shredded to add aroma and brightness; contains essential oils and zest oils.
  • OK
    black pepper
    A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.
  • OK
    yeast
    A living microorganism used as a leavening agent in baking.
  • OK
    wheat gluten
    Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
  • OK
    sugar (sulphites)
    Granulated sugar; refined sugar often used as sweetener.
  • OK
    cinnamon
    A sweet-spicy bark spice with warm, woody notes often used in baking and savory dishes.
  • OK
    star anise allergy advice: for allergens
  • OK
    including cereals containing gluten
  • OK
    see ingredients in bold. may contain peanuts
  • OK
    nuts and sesame

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Common questions about falafel

Is falafel ultra-processed?

No — falafel by Waitrose is not ultra-processed, so it is not a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list consists mainly of whole or minimally processed foods (chickpeas, vegetables, herbs, spices, basic flour, sugar, oil). It does not include industrial additives such as emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers, or industrially processed syrups. Rapeseed oil and fortified wheat flour are considered basic culinary ingredients, not UPF, under the given rules.

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.

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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.

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