Waitrose

Mushroom and Leek Sausages

Barcode 5000169612668

Scanned 18 times by Nomi users

Yes — Mushroom and Leek Sausages is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and ingredients characteristic of UPFs, including palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), stabiliser (methylcellulose), gelling agent (sodium alginate), preservative (sodium metabisulphite), and yeast extract (a pre-identified UPF ingredient). These additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients and are used to modify texture, shelf life, and flavour.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

mushrooms (24%)
OK

leeks (12%)
OK

roasted onion
OK

pea flour

Fine powder made from ground dried peas; used as a gluten-free flour substitute or thickener.
UPF

pea protein

Protein derived from yellow peas, often sold as powder or isolate for texturizing and fortification.
OK

pea fibre

Ground pea fibers used as a dietary fiber or texture enhancer in foods.
OK

palm oil (certified sustainable)

Oil extracted from the fruit of oil palm trees; commonly used for cooking and food manufacturing. Despite sustainability certifications, palm oil is a basic ingredient but classification as UPF depends on processing level; here it is considered not UPF as a basic edible oil.
OK

wholegrain mustard (water, mustard seeds, spirit vinegar, sea salt, cinnamon, pimento)
OK

pea starch

Starch extracted from peas; a refined carbohydrate used as a thickener or binder in foods.
OK

stabiliser (methylcellulose)
OK

porcini mushrooms
OK

salt

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

leek powder

Powder made from dried leek (Allium ampeloprasum), used as a spice or seasoning to add leek flavor.
OK

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
OK

gelling agent (sodium alginate)
OK

cracked black pepper

Coarsely ground peppercorns used as a spice to season dishes.
OK

nutmeg

A fragrant spice ground from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans tree, used to flavor sweet and savory dishes in small amounts.
UPF

sodium metabisulfite

A chemical preservative used to prevent oxidation and spoilage in foods. It is an additive and not a food itself in pure form.

Swap it for something less processed

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Other meat alternatives Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Mushroom and Leek Sausages

Is Mushroom and Leek Sausages ultra-processed?

Yes — Mushroom and Leek Sausages by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and ingredients characteristic of UPFs, including palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), stabiliser (methylcellulose), gelling agent (sodium alginate), preservative (sodium metabisulphite), and yeast extract (a pre-identified UPF ingredient). These additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients and are used to modify texture, shelf life, and flavour.

Which ingredients in Mushroom and Leek Sausages are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Mushroom and Leek Sausages as ultra-processed markers: pea protein, yeast extract, sodium metabisulfite. 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.