Walkers

French fries

Barcode 5000328107202

Scanned 17 times by Nomi users

Yes — French fries is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes industrial additives: monosodium glutamate (a flavor enhancer) and annatto norbixin (a color additive). These extracted and isolated additives place the product in the UPF category under NOVA, even though the base ingredients (potato derivatives, sunflower oil, salt) are minimally processed.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

potato granules

Dried, granulated potato product used as a thickener or texture component in processed foods.
OK

potato starch

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

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
OK

salt

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

monosodium glutamate

A flavor-enhancing additive used to intensify taste.
UPF

colour (annatto norbixin)

Color additive derived from annatto seeds, containing norbixin.

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Common questions about French fries

Is French fries ultra-processed?

Yes — French fries by Walkers is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes industrial additives: monosodium glutamate (a flavor enhancer) and annatto norbixin (a color additive). These extracted and isolated additives place the product in the UPF category under NOVA, even though the base ingredients (potato derivatives, sunflower oil, salt) are minimally processed.

Which ingredients in French fries are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in French fries as ultra-processed markers: monosodium glutamate, colour (annatto norbixin). 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.