Vegetarian Meatballs

Barcode 5056053306588

Scanned 17 times by Nomi users

Yes — Vegetarian Meatballs is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including maltodextrin, malted barley extract, dextrose, flavouring, stabiliser (methyl cellulose), and yeast extract. These are extracted, refined, or synthesized components used for texture, flavor enhancement, and preservation, consistent with NOVA ultra-processed criteria. Additionally, dextrose is a pre-identified UPF ingredient, which by itself requires classifying the product as UPF.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

rehydrated textured soya protein (55%)
OK

onion purée

A smooth paste made from onions, used to add sweetness and body to dishes.
OK

water

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

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

basil

A leafy herb used fresh or dried to flavor dishes; not typically processed as a food ingredient beyond drying or freshness.
OK

tomato purée

A tomato-based concentrate obtained by cooking down tomatoes, commonly used as a base or seasoning in dishes.
OK

soya protein concentrate
OK

chickpea flour

Fine flour milled from chickpeas (garbanzo beans); a common gluten-free ingredient used in batters, coatings, and baking.
OK

stabiliser: methyl cellulose; yeast extract
OK

parsley

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

oregano

A dried aromatic herb used as a spice in cooking, with a warm, slightly bitter flavor.
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.
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

malted barley extract

A concentrated extract from malted barley, used as a brewing adjunct or flavoring. It may be used in foods and drinks for sweetness or malt flavor.
OK

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
UPF

dextrose

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

tomato powder

Powdered tomato used as a flavoring or ingredient, a minimally processed dried tomato product.
UPF

flavouring

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

white pepper

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

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Common questions about Vegetarian Meatballs

Is Vegetarian Meatballs ultra-processed?

Yes — Vegetarian Meatballs is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including maltodextrin, malted barley extract, dextrose, flavouring, stabiliser (methyl cellulose), and yeast extract. These are extracted, refined, or synthesized components used for texture, flavor enhancement, and preservation, consistent with NOVA ultra-processed criteria. Additionally, dextrose is a pre-identified UPF ingredient, which by itself requires classifying the product as UPF.

Which ingredients in Vegetarian Meatballs are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Vegetarian Meatballs as ultra-processed markers: maltodextrin, malted barley extract, dextrose, 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.