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Mediterranean Style Grains by Merchant Gourmet
Merchant Gourmet

Mediterranean Style Grains

Barcode 5018095012551
Scanned  39  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Mediterranean Style Grains is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because the ingredient list includes additives/industrial ingredients such as flavouring, yeast extract powder (a flavour enhancer), and guar gum (a stabiliser). These extracted/industrial additives meet the NOVA criteria for ultra-processed foods, even though the base ingredients are mostly whole foods and basic culinary ingredients.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    cooked freekeh (wheat) (39%) (water, freekeh)
  • OK
    cooked wheatberries (22%) water
  • OK
    wheatberries
  • OK
    red pepper (7%)
  • OK
    onions
    A bulbous vegetable used as a staple aromatic and flavoring in many cuisines.
  • OK
    tomatoes (6%)
  • OK
    red pepper paste (4.5%) (red pepper purée, white wine vinegar)
  • OK
    vegetable oil (contains sunflower oil and/or rapeseed oil)
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • OK
    green olives (4.0%) (green olives, salt)
  • OK
    tomato paste
    Concentrated tomato juice cooked down to a thick, concentrated concentrate used as a base or flavoring in sauces and dishes.
  • OK
    olive oil
    A basic culinary oil pressed from olives, used for cooking, dressing, and flavor.
  • OK
    garlic purée
    Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
  • UPF
    flavouring
    A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
  • OK
    dried oregano
    A dried herb from the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare). Offers pungent, warm, slightly bitter flavors and is widely used in Italian and Greek cooking.
  • OK
    thyme
    A small, woody perennial herb with fragrant leaves used to flavor dishes, soups, and stews.
  • UPF
    yeast extract powder
    Powdered extract derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, rich in amino acids and umami; used as a flavor enhancer.
  • OK
    paprika powder
    Ground dried red paprika peppers used as a spice to add color and mild to moderate heat.
  • OK
    basil
    A leafy herb with a sweet, peppery aroma used fresh or dried to season sauces, pizzas, and Mediterranean dishes.
  • OK
    parsley
    A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.
  • OK
    colour: paprika extract; stabiliser: guar gum. allergens: for allergens
  • OK
    including cereals containing gluten
  • OK
    see ingredients in bold

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Glorious grains
Not Ultra-Processed
Glorious grains
merchant gourmet
View product →
Quinoa red & white
Not Ultra-Processed
Quinoa red & white
Merchant Gourmet
View product →
Red and white quinoa
Not Ultra-Processed
Red and white quinoa
Aldi
View product →
Simply Cooked 100% Quinoa Red & White
Not Ultra-Processed
Simply Cooked 100% Quinoa Red & White
Merchant Gourmet
View product →

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 Mediterranean Style Grains

Is Mediterranean Style Grains ultra-processed?

Yes — Mediterranean Style Grains by Merchant Gourmet is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because the ingredient list includes additives/industrial ingredients such as flavouring, yeast extract powder (a flavour enhancer), and guar gum (a stabiliser). These extracted/industrial additives meet the NOVA criteria for ultra-processed foods, even though the base ingredients are mostly whole foods and basic culinary ingredients.

Which ingredients in Mediterranean Style Grains are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Mediterranean Style Grains as ultra-processed markers: flavouring, yeast extract powder. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Mediterranean 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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