John West

Mexican Style Salad

Barcode 5000171054456

Scanned 22 times by Nomi users

Yes — Mexican Style Salad is ultra-processed.

This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) according to NOVA because the ingredients list includes several industrial additives and processed ingredients. Specifically: modified maize starch (an industrially modified starch used as a texture agent), guar gum (a thickener/stabilizer), natural flavouring (an industrial flavoring additive), and spirit vinegar (industrial-strength vinegar) all indicate ultra-processing. While many components like beans, tuna, vegetables, rapeseed oil, sugar, salt, and spices are minimally processed, the presence of these UPF-type additives makes the overall product UPF.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

red kidney beans (18%)
OK

skipjack tuna (18%)
OK

red peppers (15%)
OK

sweetcorn (13%)
OK

white beans (10%)
OK

onions

A bulbous vegetable used as a staple aromatic and flavoring in many cuisines.
OK

water

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

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

concentrated tomato purée (3%)
OK

sugar

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

salt

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

lemon juice concentrate

Lemon juice that has been concentrated by removing water; used as a souring agent or flavoring in foods.
OK

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
UPF

modified maize starch

A processed starch, often used as a thickener or binding agent in foods; may be treated to modify properties.
OK

vegetable stock (vegetable extracts (carrots, onions, leeks), water, salt, spice)
OK

thickener: guar gum
OK

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.
UPF

natural flavouring

A generic flavoring ingredient derived from natural sources used to impart aroma or taste; may include essential oils or extracts.
OK

spices extracts

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Common questions about Mexican Style Salad

Is Mexican Style Salad ultra-processed?

Yes — Mexican Style Salad by John West is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) according to NOVA because the ingredients list includes several industrial additives and processed ingredients. Specifically: modified maize starch (an industrially modified starch used as a texture agent), guar gum (a thickener/stabilizer), natural flavouring (an industrial flavoring additive), and spirit vinegar (industrial-strength vinegar) all indicate ultra-processing. While many components like beans, tuna, vegetables, rapeseed oil, sugar, salt, and spices are minimally processed, the presence of these UPF-type additives makes the overall product UPF.

Which ingredients in Mexican Style Salad are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Mexican Style Salad as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, natural flavouring. 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.