Tesco

Chicken Stock Cubes

Barcode 5051898663643

Scanned 29 times by Nomi users

Yes — Chicken Stock Cubes is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and formulations, specifically palm oil (a highly refined oil), yeast extract (a flavor enhancer), and flavouring (an industrial flavoring agent). These ingredients place it in the NOVA ultra-processed category, even though it also contains some basic ingredients like salt, spices, and rice flour.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

salt

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

potato starch

A basic, finely ground starch derived from potatoes; used as a thickener and binder in foods.
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.
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

sugar

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

chicken fat (3%)
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
UPF

chicken powder

Dehydrated chicken stock powder used as a flavor base or seasoning.
OK

onion powder

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

turmeric powder

A bright-orange, finely ground spice from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, used for color and flavor in many cuisines; commonly used in curry blends and as a seasoning.
OK

celery seed

A dried seed of the celery plant (Apium graveolens) used as a spice or seasoning to add celery-like aroma and flavor to dishes.
OK

parsley

A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.
OK

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
OK

black pepper

A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

lemon juice powder

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Chicken stock

Sainsbury's inspired to cook

Swap it for something less processed

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Common questions about Chicken Stock Cubes

Is Chicken Stock Cubes ultra-processed?

Yes — Chicken Stock Cubes by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and formulations, specifically palm oil (a highly refined oil), yeast extract (a flavor enhancer), and flavouring (an industrial flavoring agent). These ingredients place it in the NOVA ultra-processed category, even though it also contains some basic ingredients like salt, spices, and rice flour.

Which ingredients in Chicken Stock Cubes are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Chicken Stock Cubes as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, yeast extract, flavouring, chicken powder. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Chicken Stock Cubes?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Chicken stock by Sainsbury's inspired to cook, Chicken stock. 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.