Cheesy Pasta Meal

Barcode 5000316913914

Yes — Cheesy Pasta Meal is ultra-processed.

The product contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA, including modified starch, emulsifier (E471), maltodextrin, natural flavouring, yeast extract, colour (beetroot red), and antioxidant (E306). These are industrial formulations or additives used to modify texture, flavour, colour, or shelf life, so the overall product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Ingredients

8 ultra-processed markers

OK

pasta (durum wheat semolina, water)

Dry pasta made from durum wheat semolina and water; staple carbohydrate food.
OK

Skimmed Milk Powder

Skimmed milk powder is made by removing water from pasteurized skim milk.
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

salt

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

cheese powder (4%)

Powdered cheese flavoring often used in processed foods; may contain emulsifiers and flavor enhancers.
UPF

mono- and diglycerides (e471) emulsifier

Emulsifier derived from fatty acids (mono- and diglycerides) used to blend ingredients and improve texture in processed foods.
OK

pancetta (dried pork belly)

Cured pork belly product, used as a savory ingredient in dishes.
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.
UPF

natural flavouring

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

onion powder

Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
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

sugar

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

beetroot red color

A color additive derived from beetroot used to impart red color to foods; often an extracted pigment or synthetic/colorant added to enhance appearance.
OK

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
OK

ground black pepper

A fine powder made by grinding peppercorns (Piper nigrum); a common, pungent spice used to season savory dishes.
UPF

tocopherol (vitamin e)

A fat-soluble vitamin used as an antioxidant to prevent oxidation in foods.

Common questions about Cheesy Pasta Meal

Is Cheesy Pasta Meal ultra-processed?

Yes — Cheesy Pasta Meal is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA, including modified starch, emulsifier (E471), maltodextrin, natural flavouring, yeast extract, colour (beetroot red), and antioxidant (E306). These are industrial formulations or additives used to modify texture, flavour, colour, or shelf life, so the overall product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Which ingredients in Cheesy Pasta Meal are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 8 ingredients in Cheesy Pasta Meal as ultra-processed markers: modified starch, cheese powder (4%), mono- and diglycerides (e471) emulsifier, maltodextrin, natural flavouring, yeast extract, beetroot red color, tocopherol (vitamin e). 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.