Tesco

British beef meatballs

Barcode 5053526774318

Scanned 12 times by Nomi users

Yes — British beef meatballs is ultra-processed.

Product contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA, including dextrose, yeast extract, spice extracts, flavouring, and preservative (sodium metabisulphite). Therefore it is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

british beef (86%)
OK

water

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

salt

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

onion powder

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

dextrose

A simple sugar derived from glucose. Commonly used as a sweetener and source of quick energy in foods.
OK

sugar

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

black pepper

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

sunflower oil

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

paprika

A ground spice made from dried red peppers (Capsicum species), used for color and flavor in many cuisines.
OK

vegetable fibre

Plant-derived dietary fibre often used as a texture enhancer or bulking agent.
OK

preservative (sodium _metabisulphite_)
OK

white pepper

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

bay leaf

A dried leaf from the Bay laurel tree (Laurus nobilis) used as a herb to flavor dishes.
UPF

spice extracts

Concentrated flavouring derived from spices; a processed extract used to impart aroma or taste.
UPF

flavouring

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

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Common questions about British beef meatballs

Is British beef meatballs ultra-processed?

Yes — British beef meatballs by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Product contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA, including dextrose, yeast extract, spice extracts, flavouring, and preservative (sodium metabisulphite). Therefore it is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Which ingredients in British beef meatballs are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in British beef meatballs as ultra-processed markers: dextrose, yeast extract, spice extracts, flavouring. 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.