Waitrose

Thai red paste

Barcode 5000169611920

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — Thai red paste is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified tapioca starch, which is an industrially processed additive. According to the provided rules, the presence of modified tapioca starch alone is sufficient to classify the product as UPF. Other ingredients like citric acid are basic additives and do not by themselves make a product UPF, but the modified starch does.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

water

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

lemongrass (22%)
OK

galangal (11%)
OK

onion

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

garlic

A bulbous plant used as a flavoring; provides pungent, savory notes.
OK

rice bran oil

Traditional culinary oil pressed from rice bran; used as a cooking oil and ingredient in processed foods. Not UPF as a basic vegetable oil.
OK

dried red chilli (4%)
OK

sugar

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

red chilli

Chili peppers used fresh or dried to add heat and flavor; the percentage indicates chili content in a product.
OK

shrimp paste (2%) (shrimp (crustacean), salt)
OK

salt

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

makrut lime peel
OK

coriander powder

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

makrut lime leaf
UPF

modified tapioca starch

A starch derivative used as a thickener and texturizer; a processed ingredient.
OK

acidity regulator (citric acid) allergy advice: for allergens see ingredients in bold. may contain sesame

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Common questions about Thai red paste

Is Thai red paste ultra-processed?

Yes — Thai red paste by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified tapioca starch, which is an industrially processed additive. According to the provided rules, the presence of modified tapioca starch alone is sufficient to classify the product as UPF. Other ingredients like citric acid are basic additives and do not by themselves make a product UPF, but the modified starch does.

Which ingredients in Thai red paste are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Thai red paste as an ultra-processed marker: modified tapioca starch. 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.