Schwartz

Cottage Pie

Barcode 5000225021977

Yes — Cottage Pie is ultra-processed.

The product is ultra-processed because it contains modified starch, natural flavourings, unspecified flavourings, malt extract, anti-caking agent (silicon dioxide), and fat powder, all of which are industrial ingredients or additives used for texture, flavour, or processing stability rather than basic culinary purposes.

Ingredients

6 ultra-processed markers

UPF

modified starch

Starch that has been chemically or physically modified to alter its thickening, texture, or stability properties; commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer in processed foods.
OK

wheat flour

A basic fortified cereal flour enriched with minerals and B vitamins.
UPF

natural flavourings

Flavorings derived from natural sources used to impart taste or aroma; typically a mix of essential oils, compounds, or extracts.
UPF

flavourings

Industrial flavorings/additives that may contain barley; flavorings are often used as scent/flavor agents in foods.
OK

wheat

A staple cereal grain used in foods; a basic ingredient in flour, bread, and many products.
OK

sunflower oil powder

Powdered form of a basic edible oil (sunflower oil).
OK

lactose

A natural disaccharide sugar derived from milk; one of the basic sugars present in dairy products.
UPF

milk protein

Protein derived from milk (e.g., whey or casein); a processed isolated protein ingredient.
OK

sugar

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

sea salt

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

malt extract

A sweet extract derived from malted barley used as a flavoring or nutritional ingredient; typically processed.
UPF

silicon dioxide

A fine, naturally occurring mineral (SiO2) used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in powdered foods and seasonings.
OK

black pepper

A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.

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Common questions about Cottage Pie

Is Cottage Pie ultra-processed?

Yes — Cottage Pie by Schwartz is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is ultra-processed because it contains modified starch, natural flavourings, unspecified flavourings, malt extract, anti-caking agent (silicon dioxide), and fat powder, all of which are industrial ingredients or additives used for texture, flavour, or processing stability rather than basic culinary purposes.

Which ingredients in Cottage Pie are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 6 ingredients in Cottage Pie as ultra-processed markers: modified starch, natural flavourings, flavourings, milk protein, malt extract, silicon dioxide. 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.