Tesco

Mediterranean Inspired Couscous

Barcode 5031021428721

Scanned 40 times by Nomi users

Yes — Mediterranean Inspired Couscous is ultra-processed.

This couscous is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including flavourings (contain barley), palm oil, an acidity regulator (lactic acid), a stabiliser (ferrous gluconate), and a colour (paprika extract). These ingredients go beyond traditional culinary components and indicate industrial formulation characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

couscous (durum wheat semolina)
OK

tomato powder

Powdered tomato used as a flavoring or ingredient, a minimally processed dried tomato product.
OK

dried tomato

Dehydrated tomato fruit, used as a seasoning or ingredient; provides tomato flavor with extended shelf life.
UPF

flavourings

A general category of flavor enhancers or aroma compounds; contains barley, implying gluten cross-compatibility concerns.
UPF

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

sugar

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

dried onion

Dried form of the onion bulb, used as a seasoning; flavor-concentrated and shelf-stable.
OK

dried black olives [black olive
OK

salt

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

lactic acid

A naturally occurring organic acid used as a acidity regulator and preservative in foods; often added as E270 to adjust pH and inhibit microbial growth.
OK

stabiliser (ferrous gluconate)]
OK

dried herbs

Mixed dried culinary herbs used to season dishes; typically a single-ingredient, low-processor plant product.
OK

dried garlic

Dehydrated garlic cloves ground or whole, used as a pungent seasoning with long shelf life.
UPF

colour (paprika extract)

Natural color additive derived from paprika used to impart a red-orange hue in foods.
OK

citric acid. v suitable for vegetarians

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Organic Instant Couscous

Clearspring

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 Inspired Couscous

Is Mediterranean Inspired Couscous ultra-processed?

Yes — Mediterranean Inspired Couscous by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This couscous is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including flavourings (contain barley), palm oil, an acidity regulator (lactic acid), a stabiliser (ferrous gluconate), and a colour (paprika extract). These ingredients go beyond traditional culinary components and indicate industrial formulation characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in Mediterranean Inspired Couscous are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Mediterranean Inspired Couscous as ultra-processed markers: flavourings, palm oil, lactic acid, colour (paprika extract). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Mediterranean Inspired Couscous?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Giant Couscous by By sainsbury's, Organic Instant Couscous by Clearspring. 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.