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Yes — pilchards is ultra-processed.
Classified as UPF because it contains guar gum (a thickener) and tapioca starch used as a processing aid, which are industrial additives according to NOVA.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other fish & seafood Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Cod Fish Fingers
Birds Eye
Not UPF
Mild Scotish Smoked Salmon
Sainsbury's, By Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Scottish mackerel fillets
Asda
Not UPF
TUNA CHUNKS
PRINCES
Not UPF
20 Cod Fish Fingers
BirdsEye
Not UPF
8 chunky haddock fillet fish fingers
Sainsburys
Not UPF
Bonito del norte
Nixe
Not UPF
Cod Fish Fingers
BirdsEye
Not UPF
Anchovies
Aldi
Not UPF
Yes — pilchards by Glenryck is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as UPF because it contains guar gum (a thickener) and tapioca starch used as a processing aid, which are industrial additives according to NOVA.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Tesco Sardines in Tomato Sauce by Tesco, Boneless Sardines in Tomato Sauce by John West, Sardines by By sainsbury's. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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.
This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.
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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.