Tesco

Spaghetti

Barcode 5000462669178

Scanned 12 times by Nomi users

Yes — Spaghetti is ultra-processed.

The product is ultra-processed because it contains the emulsifier mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, which is an industrial additive used to modify texture and extend shelf life. Presence of such additives classifies the product as ultra-processed under NOVA, even though the main ingredients (rice flour, white maize flour, yellow maize flour) are minimally processed.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
OK

white maize flour

Finely ground flour milled from white maize (corn) kernels. Used as a staple baking and cooking base in many cuisines.
OK

yellow maize flour

Finely ground flour milled from yellow maize (corn) kernels. Common baking base and thickener in various dishes.
UPF

monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (emulsifier)

An additive used as an emulsifier to improve texture and mixing of fats and water in processed foods. It is often derived from glycerol and fatty acids.

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Common questions about Spaghetti

Is Spaghetti ultra-processed?

Yes — Spaghetti by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is ultra-processed because it contains the emulsifier mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, which is an industrial additive used to modify texture and extend shelf life. Presence of such additives classifies the product as ultra-processed under NOVA, even though the main ingredients (rice flour, white maize flour, yellow maize flour) are minimally processed.

Which ingredients in Spaghetti are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Spaghetti as an ultra-processed marker: monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (emulsifier). 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.