Waitrose

Steak & ale pie

Barcode 5000169654460

Yes — Steak & ale pie is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes palm oil (a highly refined industrial oil) and barley malt extract (an industrial flavoring extract). Other ingredients are mostly basic culinary items, but the presence of these additives is sufficient for NOVA ultra-processed classification.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

beef (30%)
OK

wheat flour

A basic refined flour made from wheat, enriched with vitamins and minerals (calcium carbonate, folic acid, iron, niacin, thiamin). Common baking ingredient.
OK

vegetable oils (palm oil (certified sustainable), rapeseed oil)
OK

ale (contains barley) (12%)
OK

water

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

onion

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

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
OK

pasteurized free-range egg

Egg from free-range hens that has been pasteurized for safety; a basic animal-derived ingredient.
OK

beef dripping

Rendered fat from beef often used for roasting, frying, or as a spread. It is a basic ingredient in traditional cooking.
OK

tomato paste

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

sea salt

A basic mineral-rich salt derived from evaporated seawater, used as a seasoning and preservative.
OK

black treacle

A dark, viscous syrup produced during sugar refining; used as a sweetener and flavoring in baking and desserts.
UPF

beef extract

Concentrated meat flavor extract derived from beef; considered ultra-processed due to being an extracted flavoring often produced through industrial processes.
UPF

Barley Malt Extract

Barley malt extract is a sweetener made from malted barley grains.
OK

salt

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

beef fat

Rendered animal fat from beef used for cooking or baking; provides richness and texture.
OK

sugar

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

onion concentrate

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Common questions about Steak & ale pie

Is Steak & ale pie ultra-processed?

Yes — Steak & ale pie by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes palm oil (a highly refined industrial oil) and barley malt extract (an industrial flavoring extract). Other ingredients are mostly basic culinary items, but the presence of these additives is sufficient for NOVA ultra-processed classification.

Which ingredients in Steak & ale pie are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Steak & ale pie as ultra-processed markers: beef extract, Barley Malt 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.