Couscous Protein Bites

Barcode 5055281002064

Yes — Couscous Protein Bites is ultra-processed.

This food is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives. These include isolated plant proteins (pea protein, potato protein, added wheat protein), refined sugar derivatives (dextrose, wheat maltodextrin, caramelised sugar syrup), added flavourings, stabilizers (carrageenan, locust bean gum, potassium chloride), and preservatives (potassium lactate, potassium acetate). Such ingredients are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods, going beyond basic culinary processing to create an industrial formulation.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

cooked couscous blended with wheat protein
UPF

pea protein

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

potato protein

Protein derived from potatoes, typically as a concentrated protein isolate used as a functional ingredient in foods.
OK

tapioca starch

Starch extracted from cassava (tapioca root), used as a thickener and binder.
OK

and onion
OK

ingredients: fortified wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, folic acid, iron, niacin, thiamin)
OK

water

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

wheat protein

Protein derived from wheat; often used as a gluten-rich ingredient to improve dough structure.
OK

salt

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

dextrose

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

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
OK

sage

An aromatic herb (Salvia officinalis) used to flavor meats, stuffings, and sauces; leaves are edible.
OK

sunflower oil

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

stabilizers (carrageenan, locust bean gum, potassium chloride)
OK

preservatives (potassium lactate, potassium acetate, citric acid)
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

white pepper

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

nutmeg

A fragrant spice ground from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans tree, used to flavor sweet and savory dishes in small amounts.
OK

onion

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

citric acid

A natural organic acid used to balance acidity and preserve foods; a common food additive.
UPF

caramelised sugar syrup

A syrup derived from sugar heated to create caramelization; a processed sugars product commonly used as a sweetener or flavoring.
OK

beetroot extract
OK

wheat maltodextrin
OK

anthocyanins
OK

ascorbic acid

Vitamin C; antioxidant used to prevent oxidation and preserve color and freshness in foods; a common food additive and nutrient.

Common questions about Couscous Protein Bites

Is Couscous Protein Bites ultra-processed?

Yes — Couscous Protein Bites is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This food is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives. These include isolated plant proteins (pea protein, potato protein, added wheat protein), refined sugar derivatives (dextrose, wheat maltodextrin, caramelised sugar syrup), added flavourings, stabilizers (carrageenan, locust bean gum, potassium chloride), and preservatives (potassium lactate, potassium acetate). Such ingredients are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods, going beyond basic culinary processing to create an industrial formulation.

Which ingredients in Couscous Protein Bites are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Couscous Protein Bites as ultra-processed markers: pea protein, potato protein, dextrose, flavourings, caramelised sugar syrup. 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.