Wasabi

Chicken katsu curry

Barcode 5056297000006

Scanned 19 times by Nomi users

Yes — Chicken katsu curry is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid and contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients/additives per NOVA, including: palm oil (highly refined oil), flavour enhancers (E621 monosodium glutamate, E631, E627), dextrin and dried glucose syrup (industrially processed sugars), emulsifiers (E473, E322, E471), caramel colour E150a and colour E160c, acidity regulators (E296 malic acid, E330 citric acid, E500 sodium carbonates), and spirit vinegar powder. It also contains pre-identified UPF ingredients: yeast extract and flavourings. Because these industrial additives and formulations are present, the product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Ingredients

6 ultra-processed markers

OK

ingredients curry sauce (43%) (water)
OK

curry paste (vegetable oil (palm oil, canola oil), wheat flour)
OK

sugar

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

salt

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

curry powder (turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, cinnamon, fennel, red pepper, dill, dried tangerine peel, spices)
OK

corn starch

A refined starch extracted from corn, used as a thickening agent in foods.
OK

onion powder (onion flakes, soybean powder, glucose, maltose)
UPF

dextrin

A carbohydrate derived from starch, often used as a thickener or binder in foods.
OK

garlic powder (dried garlic, defatted soybean, glucose, maltose)
OK

flavour enhancers (e621)
OK

e631
OK

e627
OK

colour (e150(a))
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

emulsifiers (e473)
OK

e322 (soya)
UPF

mono- and diglycerides

A common food additive used as an emulsifier made from glycerides of fatty acids; often derived from vegetable fats. It helps improve texture and shelf-life.
OK

soybean paste (soybean, salt, rice)
OK

defatted soybean
OK

acidity regulators (e296, e330)
OK

red pepper (bell pepper)

A sweet, crisp red bell pepper pick or fresh pepper used for color, flavor, and nutrition; typically eaten raw or cooked.
OK

fermented wheat seasoning (wheat, yeast extract, dextrin)
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

white onion
OK

carrot

A root vegetable used widely in cooking for sweetness, texture, and color.
OK

potato

A starchy tuber, a common staple food used as a vegetable. Can be prepared in many ways (boiled, fried, baked).
OK

rapeseed oil

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

cooked white long grain rice (water, white long grain rice, rapeseed oil)
OK

breaded chicken breast (19%) (chicken breast)
OK

batter mix (water, flour mix (wheat flour (wheat, calcium carbonate, iron, fliacin, thiamin), salt))
OK

breadcrumbs (wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, fliacin, thiamin), yeast, sunflower oil)
OK

acid (e270)
OK

antioxidant (e300)
OK

marinade mix (water, maize starch)
OK

acidity regulator (e500)
OK

spirit vinegar powder
OK

tapioca starch

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

dried glucose syrup

Concentrated, dried form of glucose syrup, a refined sweetener derived from carbohydrates.
OK

rice cone (rice)
OK

panko breadcrumbs (wheat flour)
OK

vegetable oil (palm oil)
UPF

tocopherol (vitamin e)

A fat-soluble vitamin used as an antioxidant to prevent oxidation in foods.
OK

yeast

A living microorganism used as a leavening agent in baking.
OK

colour (e160(c))

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Common questions about Chicken katsu curry

Is Chicken katsu curry ultra-processed?

Yes — Chicken katsu curry by Wasabi is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid and contains multiple ultra-processed ingredients/additives per NOVA, including: palm oil (highly refined oil), flavour enhancers (E621 monosodium glutamate, E631, E627), dextrin and dried glucose syrup (industrially processed sugars), emulsifiers (E473, E322, E471), caramel colour E150a and colour E160c, acidity regulators (E296 malic acid, E330 citric acid, E500 sodium carbonates), and spirit vinegar powder. It also contains pre-identified UPF ingredients: yeast extract and flavourings. Because these industrial additives and formulations are present, the product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Which ingredients in Chicken katsu curry are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 6 ingredients in Chicken katsu curry as ultra-processed markers: dextrin, yeast extract, mono- and diglycerides, flavourings, dried glucose syrup, tocopherol (vitamin e). 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.