Waitrose

French fries

Barcode 5000169621288

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — French fries is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains dextrose, which is a refined, industrially produced sugar and is explicitly identified as a UPF ingredient. In addition, potato dextrin is an industrially modified starch used as a processing aid or texturizer, which also contributes to UPF classification. The presence of these industrial ingredients moves the product beyond simple processed foods into the ultra-processed category, even though it also contains basic ingredients like potatoes, sunflower oil, salt, rice flour, and turmeric powder.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

potato (92%)
OK

sunflower oil (5%)
OK

potato starch

A basic, finely ground starch derived from potatoes; used as a thickener and binder in foods.
UPF

potato dextrin

A carbohydrate derived from potato starch through hydrolysis, yielding a soluble dextrin used as a thickener or binding agent.
OK

salt

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

rice flour

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

dextrose

A simple sugar derived from glucose. Commonly used as a sweetener and source of quick energy 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.

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Common questions about French fries

Is French fries ultra-processed?

Yes — French fries by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains dextrose, which is a refined, industrially produced sugar and is explicitly identified as a UPF ingredient. In addition, potato dextrin is an industrially modified starch used as a processing aid or texturizer, which also contributes to UPF classification. The presence of these industrial ingredients moves the product beyond simple processed foods into the ultra-processed category, even though it also contains basic ingredients like potatoes, sunflower oil, salt, rice flour, and turmeric powder.

Which ingredients in French fries are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in French fries as ultra-processed markers: potato dextrin, dextrose. 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.