Nomi
UPF Food Scanner
Know what’s really in your food
Get the free app
Yes — Plain Instant Mashed Potato is ultra-processed.
Ultra-processed: convenient, but not ideal for everyday eating.
This product is ultra-processed because it contains palm oil, which is a highly processed and refined oil, as well as flavourings (containing milk), an industrial flavouring additive. Antioxidant (rosemary extract) is also a pre-identified UPF ingredient and contributes to the classification. Instant mashed potato is additionally a ready-to-eat processed food formulation. The other ingredients, such as potato, milk ingredients, salt, pepper, and colours, do not alter the classification.
Other vegetables Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
100% WALKERS GREAT BRITISH POTATOES LEGENDARY READ
Aldi
Not UPF
Patatine Classiche 320g
Coop, Pata
Not UPF
Sea Salt Lentil Chips
Proper
Not UPF
Slow-Baked Jacket Potatoes
McCain
Not UPF
Mashed Potato
Inspired Cuisine
Not UPF
New potatoes in water
Asda
Not UPF
HASH BROWN FRIES
M&S FOOD
Not UPF
Hash Browns
Marks & Spencers
Not UPF
Lightly sea salted crisps
Tyrrell's
Not UPF
Chips
Kettle
Not UPF
Yes — Plain Instant Mashed Potato by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is ultra-processed because it contains palm oil, which is a highly processed and refined oil, as well as flavourings (containing milk), an industrial flavouring additive. Antioxidant (rosemary extract) is also a pre-identified UPF ingredient and contributes to the classification. Instant mashed potato is additionally a ready-to-eat processed food formulation. The other ingredients, such as potato, milk ingredients, salt, pepper, and colours, do not alter the classification.
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.
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.
This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.
Free download · No subscription needed to start scanning
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.