Beef & Bacon Pasta Bake

Barcode 5036333931068

Yes — Beef & Bacon Pasta Bake is ultra-processed.

This dish is ultra-processed because it contains several industrially processed ingredients and additives. In particular, red wine extract, pea protein, and yeast extract are isolated, industrial ingredients used for flavour enhancement or functional properties. The smoked bacon also includes additives such as sodium nitrite (a curing agent and preservative) and sodium ascorbate (an antioxidant), which are characteristic of ultra-processed meat products. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary components and indicate an ultra-processed formulation according to the NOVA classification.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

milk

A dairy liquid produced by cows; a basic, widely used food ingredient.
OK

egg pasta (durum wheat semolina, water, pasteurized free-range eggs)
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
UPF

red wine extract

An extract derived from red wine used as a flavoring or aroma in dishes and processed foods.
OK

beef (5%)
OK

cheddar cheese

A traditional cheese produced from cow's milk; a basic dairy product not considered ultra-processed.
OK

brown pork (5%)
OK

smoked bacon (pork, water, salt, preservatives, sodium nitrite, antioxidant: sodium ascorbate)
OK

sweetcorn

Sweetcorn (corn on the cob or kernels) is a basic vegetable/protein ingredient used in a wide range of dishes.
OK

carrot

A root vegetable used widely in cooking for sweetness, texture, and color.
OK

celery

A crunchy, fibrous stalk vegetable commonly used fresh in salads, soups, and as a garnish. Rich in water and nutrients like vitamin K and folate.
OK

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
OK

fortified flour (wheat flour, calcium, iron, thiamine)
OK

pepper (black, white)
OK

parmesan reggiano (milk)
OK

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
UPF

pea protein

Protein derived from yellow peas, often sold as powder or isolate for texturizing and fortification.
OK

vegetable stock powder
OK

onion powder

Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
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

mushroom powder

Powder derived from dried mushrooms, used as a seasoning or umami enhancer.
OK

pepper

Ground pepper or whole peppercorns, a common spice used to season foods.
OK

red
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.
OK

white pepper

A spice ground from ripe peppercorns with the outer husk removed, used to impart mild heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.

Common questions about Beef & Bacon Pasta Bake

Is Beef & Bacon Pasta Bake ultra-processed?

Yes — Beef & Bacon Pasta Bake is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This dish is ultra-processed because it contains several industrially processed ingredients and additives. In particular, red wine extract, pea protein, and yeast extract are isolated, industrial ingredients used for flavour enhancement or functional properties. The smoked bacon also includes additives such as sodium nitrite (a curing agent and preservative) and sodium ascorbate (an antioxidant), which are characteristic of ultra-processed meat products. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary components and indicate an ultra-processed formulation according to the NOVA classification.

Which ingredients in Beef & Bacon Pasta Bake are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Beef & Bacon Pasta Bake as ultra-processed markers: red wine extract, pea protein, yeast extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

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.