Merchant Gourmet

Mexican style grains

Barcode 5018095011264

Scanned 43 times by Nomi users

Yes — Mexican style grains is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains xanthan gum (a thickener/stabilizer used as an industrial additive). All other ingredients are minimally processed or culinary ingredients, but the presence of xanthan gum makes the overall product UPF according to the given NOVA-based rules.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

cooked long-grain rice (43%) (water, long-grain rice)
OK

sweetcorn (18%)
OK

cooked red quinoa (17%) (water)
OK

red quinoa
OK

adzuki beans (8%)
OK

chilli paste (sugar, red pepper juice, molasses, tomato purée, water, salt, jalapeño powder, smoked paprika powder, onion salt, white wine vinegar, cayenne powder, garlic salt)
OK

roquito sauce (red roquito® jalapeño peppers, red bell peppers, sugar, cane vinegar, tomato paste)
OK

vegetable oil (contains sunflower oil and/ or rapeseed oil)
OK

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
UPF

xanthan gum

A polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing food additive produced by bacterial fermentation; widely used in sauces, dressings, and gluten-free products.
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

ginger

A pungent, aromatic rhizome used fresh or dried in cooking and beverages.
OK

olive oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from olives, used for cooking, dressing, and flavor.
OK

salt

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

chili flakes

Crushed dried chili peppers used to add heat and flavor to dishes; a common spice.
OK

smoked paprika

A spice made from dried, smoked, and ground red peppers (pimentón). Rich, sweet-smoky flavor with mild heat used in numerous cuisines including Spanish dishes.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Ben's original mixed pepper rice

Swap it for something less processed

See all Ready Meals →

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

Common questions about Mexican style grains

Is Mexican style grains ultra-processed?

Yes — Mexican style grains by Merchant Gourmet is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains xanthan gum (a thickener/stabilizer used as an industrial additive). All other ingredients are minimally processed or culinary ingredients, but the presence of xanthan gum makes the overall product UPF according to the given NOVA-based rules.

Which ingredients in Mexican style grains are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Mexican style grains as an ultra-processed marker: xanthan gum. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Mexican style grains?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Ben's original mixed pepper rice by Ben's original, Lunch Bowl by Ben's Original. 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.