Merchant Gourmet

Mediterranean-Style Vegetables & Giant Couscous

Barcode 5056215600400

Scanned 19 times by Nomi users

Yes — Mediterranean-Style Vegetables & Giant Couscous is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the herb blend contains dextrose, maltodextrin, and spice extracts, which are industrially processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA guidance.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

cooked giant couscous (24%) (water)
OK

giant couscous (wheat)
OK

red onion (14%)
OK

red pepper (14%)
OK

fried aubergine (14%) (aubergine)
OK

sunflower oil

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

courgette (14%)
OK

water

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

garlic purée (garlic, water)
OK

salt

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

tomato concentrate (1.5%)
OK

herb blend (1.5%) (salt, dextrose, paprika, black pepper, ginger, oregano, coriander seeds, garlic, rosemary, thyme, cayenne pepper, maltodextrin, spice extracts: paprika)
OK

cardamom

A small aromatic seed (or pod) used as a spice with a strong, sweet, floral and citrusy aroma.
OK

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
OK

basil (1.0%)
OK

potato starch

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

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Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Mediterranean-Style Vegetables & Giant Couscous

Is Mediterranean-Style Vegetables & Giant Couscous ultra-processed?

Yes — Mediterranean-Style Vegetables & Giant Couscous by Merchant Gourmet is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the herb blend contains dextrose, maltodextrin, and spice extracts, which are industrially processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA guidance.

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.