Upper Crust

Chicken & Asparagus Pie

Barcode 5011003048802

Yes — Chicken & Asparagus Pie is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several UPF ingredients and additives, including palm oil, modified maize starch, and pea protein, which are pre-identified as UPF. It also includes other industrial ingredients such as chicken extract and the flour treatment agent L-cysteine, which indicate industrial formulation beyond basic culinary processing.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

wheat flour

Ground wheat grain, typically refined into a fine powder and often enriched with minerals (calcium carbonate, iron) and vitamins (niacin).
OK

thiamine

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

chicken breast

A common animal protein cut from poultry, typically sold as lean, skinless breast meat.
UPF

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

asparagus

A green vegetable spears; a simple, minimally processed plant food.
OK

cream (milk)

Dairy cream made from milk, a basic culinary ingredient.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

milk

A dairy liquid produced by cows; a basic, widely used food ingredient.
UPF

modified maize starch

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

salt

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

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
UPF

chicken extract

Concentrated extract derived from chicken; typically a processed flavoring or stock component.
UPF

pea protein

Protein derived from yellow peas, often sold as powder or isolate for texturizing and fortification.
OK

white pepper

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

sugar

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

l-cysteine

A flour improver/dough conditioner (amino acid) used to strengthen gluten and improve dough machinability; typically produced industrially as a refined additive.

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Common questions about Chicken & Asparagus Pie

Is Chicken & Asparagus Pie ultra-processed?

Yes — Chicken & Asparagus Pie by Upper Crust is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several UPF ingredients and additives, including palm oil, modified maize starch, and pea protein, which are pre-identified as UPF. It also includes other industrial ingredients such as chicken extract and the flour treatment agent L-cysteine, which indicate industrial formulation beyond basic culinary processing.

Which ingredients in Chicken & Asparagus Pie are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Chicken & Asparagus Pie as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, modified maize starch, chicken extract, pea protein, l-cysteine. 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.