Al'fez

Moroccan style meatball sauce

Barcode 5010338102104

Scanned 22 times by Nomi users

Yes — Moroccan style meatball sauce is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed thickener and a pre-identified UPF ingredient. Other ingredients like citric acid are acceptable basic additives, but the presence of modified maize starch is sufficient to classify the whole product as UPF.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

water

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

tomato (28%)
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

sugar

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

concentrated tomato purée (5%)
OK

rapeseed oil

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

spices (2.5%)
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
UPF

modified maize starch

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

garlic powder

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

salt

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

dried coriander leaf

A dried herb from the coriander plant, used to add fresh herby aroma and flavor to dishes.
OK

acid (citric acid). allergy advice: may contain peanuts and nuts

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Common questions about Moroccan style meatball sauce

Is Moroccan style meatball sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Moroccan style meatball sauce by Al'fez is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed thickener and a pre-identified UPF ingredient. Other ingredients like citric acid are acceptable basic additives, but the presence of modified maize starch is sufficient to classify the whole product as UPF.

Which ingredients in Moroccan style meatball sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Moroccan style meatball sauce as an ultra-processed marker: modified maize starch. 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.