Blue Dragon

Thai green curry paste

Barcode 5010338301491

Scanned 88 times by Nomi users

Yes — Thai green curry paste is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and formulations, specifically modified maize starch and yeast extract, which are used as texture and flavor enhancers. These ingredients fall under NOVA's ultra-processed category. Other ingredients like citric acid and chlorophylls are permitted additives but the presence of modified maize starch and yeast extract is sufficient to classify the product as UPF.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

minced lemongrass

Fresh or dried lemongrass stalks finely chopped; fragrant herb used for citrusy notes in many cuisines.
OK

garlic purée

Smooth paste made from garlic cloves, used to impart garlic flavor.
OK

sugar

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

rapeseed oil

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

onion purée

A smooth paste made from onions, used to add sweetness and body to dishes.
OK

minced galangal

Finely chopped galangal root, a spicy, citrusy rhizome used in Southeast Asian dishes.
UPF

modified maize starch

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

green energy bird's eye chillies (3%)

A spicy pepper ingredient. Bird's eye chilies are small hot peppers used in Asian cuisine. The label 'green energy' may refer to branding or cultivar but does not change the ingredient identity.
OK

thai basil (2.5%)

A culinary herb with an anise-like aroma, used fresh or in cooking in Thai cuisine. Contains essential oils and is a common ingredient in dishes.
OK

soybean paste (water, soya beans, rice, salt)

Fermented paste made from soybeans, water, rice, and salt. Common in East Asian cuisines; can be used as a flavoring paste.
OK

coriander leaf

Coriander leaves (cilantro) from the Coriandrum sativum plant, used fresh or dried for aroma and garnish.
OK

salt

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

lime leaves

Leaves of the lime tree used to impart citrus aroma and flavor; commonly used dried or fresh in Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
OK

spices (coriander, black pepper, cumin, turmeric)

A blend of ground spices including coriander seeds, black pepper, cumin, and turmeric used to flavor dishes.
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

citric acid

A natural organic acid used to balance acidity and preserve foods; a common food additive.
UPF

color (chlorophylls)

Chlorophyll-based green coloring agent used as a food additive or colorant; extracted pigment.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Not Ultra-Processed

Green Thai curry paste

Bart, Bart Infusions

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Not Ultra-Processed

THAI DRAGON GREEN CURRY PASTE

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Swap it for something less processed

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Common questions about Thai green curry paste

Is Thai green curry paste ultra-processed?

Yes — Thai green curry paste by Blue Dragon is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and formulations, specifically modified maize starch and yeast extract, which are used as texture and flavor enhancers. These ingredients fall under NOVA's ultra-processed category. Other ingredients like citric acid and chlorophylls are permitted additives but the presence of modified maize starch and yeast extract is sufficient to classify the product as UPF.

Which ingredients in Thai green curry paste are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Thai green curry paste as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, yeast extract, color (chlorophylls). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Thai green curry paste?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Green Thai curry paste by Bart, Bart Infusions, THAI DRAGON GREEN CURRY PASTE. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

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.