Cheesy Pasta Meal

Barcode 5010482525132

Yes — Cheesy Pasta Meal is ultra-processed.

This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) under NOVA due to the presence of several industrially processed ingredients and additives, including modified corn starch, yeast extract, emulsifier: sunflower lecithins, rice starch, tapioca starch, and unspecified flavouring. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing and are used to modify texture, flavour, and stability of the product.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

cooked macaroni pasta (41%) (water, durum wheat semolina)
OK

vegetarian whey powder (milk)

Whey powder derived from milk, a powdered dairy ingredient used for fortification or as a protein supplement.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

cheddar cheese (milk) (2%)
OK

rice starch

Starch derived from rice used as a thickener or anti-caking agent in foods.
OK

medium fat soft cheese (milk) (10%)
UPF

modified corn starch

A processed starch produced from corn by modifying its starch molecules for improved stability and texture.
OK

cheese powder (milk) (1%)
OK

tapioca starch

Starch extracted from cassava (tapioca root), used as a thickener and binder.
UPF

flavouring

Flavouring preparation containing milk derivatives; used to impart taste without a specific food form.
OK

salt

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

lemon juice from concentrate

Lemon juice that has been concentrated and often reconstituted for liquid use in cooking and beverages.
UPF

yeast extract

A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
UPF

sunflower lecithin

A natural emulsifier derived from sunflower seeds; phospholipid extract used to improve texture and stability in foods.
OK

mustard powder

Ground mustard seeds, used as a spice and flavoring.
OK

white pepper

A spice ground from ripe peppercorns with the outer husk removed, used to impart mild heat and aroma to dishes.

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). This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) under NOVA due to the presence of several industrially processed ingredients and additives, including modified corn starch, yeast extract, emulsifier: sunflower lecithins, rice starch, tapioca starch, and unspecified flavouring. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing and are used to modify texture, flavour, and stability of the product.

Which ingredients in Cheesy Pasta Meal are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Cheesy Pasta Meal as ultra-processed markers: modified corn starch, flavouring, yeast extract, sunflower lecithin. 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.