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Zingy Korean-style grains by Merchant Gourmet
Merchant Gourmet

Zingy Korean-style grains

Barcode 5018095008141
Scanned  36  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Zingy Korean-style grains is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients/additives such as glucose syrup, fructose, maltodextrin, and colour: plain caramel. These are isolated, industrially processed sugars and additives used for texture, flavour, or appearance rather than basic culinary purposes, which places the product in the UPF category according to NOVA-style criteria.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    cooked wheatberries (66%) (water, wheatberries)
  • OK
    cooked black barley (12%) (water, black barley)
  • OK
    edamame beans (soya) (8%)
  • OK
    red pepper (7%)
  • OK
    gochujang style paste (5%) (glucose syrup)
  • OK
    water
    Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
  • OK
    salted black beans (black soy beans, salt)
  • OK
    fructose
    A simple sugar derived from fruit and honey; a monosaccharide commonly used as a sweetener.
  • OK
    concentrated red pepper juice
  • OK
    soy sauce powder (soy sauce (soy beans, salt, spirit vinegar), maltodextrin, salt)
  • 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 powder
    Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
  • UPF
    onion juice concentrate
    Juice concentrated from onions, used as a flavoring or base for soups, sauces, and savory products.
  • OK
    tomato powder
    Powdered tomato used as a flavoring or ingredient, a minimally processed dried tomato product.
  • OK
    white wine vinegar
    A clear, mild vinegar made from fermented white wine, used for acidity in dressings, marinades, and pickling.
  • OK
    ground cayenne
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • OK
    acetic acid
    Acidity regulator and acidulant used in foods; a basic chemical ingredient.
  • UPF
    paprika extract
    A concentrated pigment derived from paprika used as a colorant in foods.
  • OK
    rice flour
    A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
  • OK
    olive oil
    A basic culinary oil pressed from olives, used for cooking, dressing, and flavor.
  • OK
    soy sauce (water, salt, colour: plain caramel, sugar, soy beans)
  • OK
    wheat
    A staple cereal grain used in foods; a basic ingredient in flour, bread, and many products.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Swap it for something less processed

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Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Zingy Korean-style grains

Is Zingy Korean-style grains ultra-processed?

Yes — Zingy Korean-style grains by Merchant Gourmet is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients/additives such as glucose syrup, fructose, maltodextrin, and colour: plain caramel. These are isolated, industrially processed sugars and additives used for texture, flavour, or appearance rather than basic culinary purposes, which places the product in the UPF category according to NOVA-style criteria.

Which ingredients in Zingy Korean-style grains are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Zingy Korean-style grains as ultra-processed markers: onion juice concentrate, paprika extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Zingy Korean-style grains?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Glorious grains by merchant gourmet, Quinoa red & white by Merchant Gourmet, Red and white quinoa by Aldi. 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.

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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.

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