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Taco Mixed Beans by Tesco
Tesco

Taco Mixed Beans

Barcode 5018374442277
Scanned  71  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Taco Mixed Beans is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrially processed additives and extracts. In particular, modified maize starch, yeast extract, black pepper extract, and colour (paprika extract) are all considered UPF ingredients according to NOVA-style criteria. These are industrial formulations used as thickeners, flavour enhancers, and colourings rather than basic culinary ingredients. Therefore, even though the product is largely made of beans and vegetables, the presence of these UPF additives makes the overall product UPF.

Ingredients

6 ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    mixed beans (43%) [red kidney
  • OK
    black eyed
  • OK
    cannellini
  • OK
    haricot
  • OK
    pinto]
  • OK
    water
    Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
  • OK
    tomato paste
    Concentrated tomato juice cooked down to a thick, concentrated concentrate used as a base or flavoring in sauces and dishes.
  • OK
    onion
    A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
  • OK
    red pepper (4%)
  • OK
    sugar
    Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
  • 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.
  • UPF
    yeast extract
    A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
  • OK
    chilli powder
    Ground dried chili peppers used as a spice to add heat and flavor in dishes. It is a basic single-ingredient spice.
  • UPF
    black pepper extract
    A concentrated extract from black pepper used to impart aroma and slight heat.
  • OK
    sunflower oil
    A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
  • OK
    garlic
    A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
  • OK
    basil
    A leafy herb used fresh or dried to flavor dishes; not typically processed as a food ingredient beyond drying or freshness.
  • UPF
    capsicum extract
    A spice-derived extract from Capsicum peppers, used for flavor and/or heat in foods.
  • UPF
    nutmeg extract
    Concentrated essence extracted from nutmeg; used for its aromatic flavor.
  • OK
    black pepper
    A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.
  • UPF
    colour (paprika extract)
    Natural color additive derived from paprika used to impart a red-orange hue in foods.
  • OK
    pepper extract
    A flavoring extract derived from black pepper, used to impart pepper flavor in foods.
  • OK
    rapeseed oil
    A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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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 Taco Mixed Beans

Is Taco Mixed Beans ultra-processed?

Yes — Taco Mixed Beans by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrially processed additives and extracts. In particular, modified maize starch, yeast extract, black pepper extract, and colour (paprika extract) are all considered UPF ingredients according to NOVA-style criteria. These are industrial formulations used as thickeners, flavour enhancers, and colourings rather than basic culinary ingredients. Therefore, even though the product is largely made of beans and vegetables, the presence of these UPF additives makes the overall product UPF.

Which ingredients in Taco Mixed Beans are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 6 ingredients in Taco Mixed Beans as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, yeast extract, black pepper extract, capsicum extract, nutmeg extract, colour (paprika extract). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Taco Mixed Beans?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Mixed Bean Salad in Vinaigrette by Tesco, Mixed Beans by Lidl, Organic baked beans by mr organic. 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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