Jamie Oliver

Ultimate black daal

Barcode 5030101024679

Scanned 41 times by Nomi users

Yes — Ultimate black daal is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredients include several industrial additives and flavourings such as carrageenan (stabiliser), natural flavouring, guar gum (thickener), and potassium bisulphite (antioxidant/preservative), which fall under NOVA group 4 criteria.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

pre-cooked whole black lentils (50%) (black lentils, water)
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

tomato sauce (plum and concentrated tomatoes, sunflower oil, onion)
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

salt

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

basil

A leafy herb used fresh or dried to flavor dishes; not typically processed as a food ingredient beyond drying or freshness.
OK

cream (5%) (cream (milk), stabiliser: carrageenan)
OK

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
OK

spices (1.7%) (garam massala, garlic, ginger, coriander, chilli, black pepper, cinnamon)
OK

wholegrain mustard (water, vinegar, mustard seeds, natural flavouring, salt, acidity regulator: citric acid, antioxidant: potassium bisulphite, spice)
OK

natural flavouring (contains celery)
OK

coriander (cilantro seeds)

Dried seeds of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum). Warm, citrusy flavor used ground or as whole seeds in spice blends and curries.
OK

thickener: guar gum
OK

cumin (0.02%)
OK

fennel seeds

Dried seeds of the Foeniculum vulgare plant, with a sweet, licorice-like flavor; used whole or ground in baking, cooking, and as a spice.

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 Ultimate black daal

Is Ultimate black daal ultra-processed?

Yes — Ultimate black daal by Jamie Oliver is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredients include several industrial additives and flavourings such as carrageenan (stabiliser), natural flavouring, guar gum (thickener), and potassium bisulphite (antioxidant/preservative), which fall under NOVA group 4 criteria.

What are healthier alternatives to Ultimate black daal?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Indian Black Dhal by Tilda. 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.