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Yes — Udon japanese style noodles is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified tapioca starch, which is an industrially modified starch and considered a UPF ingredient under NOVA. Other ingredients (wheat flour, water, salt, distilled vinegar, lactic acid as an acidity regulator) are minimally processed culinary ingredients or basic additives, but the presence of modified tapioca starch makes the overall product UPF.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other pasta, rice & noodles Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Green Pea Penne
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Penne Rigate N°66
Rummo
Not UPF
Mama Instant Rice Noodles
Mama
Not UPF
instant rice vermicelli noodles
mams
Not UPF
Basmati Rice
Tesco
Not UPF
Fine egg noodles
Sharwood's
Not UPF
Brown Rice
By Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Growers Harvest Microwave Wholegrain Rice
Tesco
Not UPF
Wholewheat Spaghetti
Baresa
Not UPF
Basmati Rice (raw)
Lidl
Not UPF
Yes — Udon japanese style noodles by is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified tapioca starch, which is an industrially modified starch and considered a UPF ingredient under NOVA. Other ingredients (wheat flour, water, salt, distilled vinegar, lactic acid as an acidity regulator) are minimally processed culinary ingredients or basic additives, but the presence of modified tapioca starch makes the overall product UPF.
Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Udon japanese style noodles as ultra-processed markers: modified tapioca starch, lactic acid. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Straight To Wok Udon Noodles by Tesco, Udon Noodles by Vitasia, Lidl, Yutaka Udon Noodles imp by Yutaka. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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.
