Yes — Sweet chilli chicken is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives characteristic of NOVA group 4. These include: modified tapioca starch (a pre-identified UPF ingredient), flavour enhancer E621 (monosodium glutamate), multiple glucose syrups and dried glucose syrup, maltodextrin (in mushroom extract), colour additives (E160c, E150a), and preservatives such as E223. These are not basic culinary ingredients and indicate substantial industrial formulation beyond simple cooking or preservation.
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Thai green chicken curry
Charlie Bigham's
Not UPF
Thai Red Chicken Curry & Fragrant Rice
Charlie Bigham's
Not UPF
Japanese Style Chicken Curry with rice
MYPROTEIN
Not UPF
Beef Lasagne
By sainsbury's
Not UPF
Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
M&S
Not UPF
Spaghetti bolognese
By sainsbury's
Not UPF
Chicken & bacon pasta
Sainsbury's,Sainsburys
Not UPF
Chicken Tikka Masala
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Meatballs al forno
Charlie Bighams
Not UPF
Chicken Arrabbiata
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Yes — Sweet chilli chicken by Wasabi Home Bento is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives characteristic of NOVA group 4. These include: modified tapioca starch (a pre-identified UPF ingredient), flavour enhancer E621 (monosodium glutamate), multiple glucose syrups and dried glucose syrup, maltodextrin (in mushroom extract), colour additives (E160c, E150a), and preservatives such as E223. These are not basic culinary ingredients and indicate substantial industrial formulation beyond simple cooking or preservation.
Nomi flags 6 ingredients in Sweet chilli chicken as ultra-processed markers: onion juice concentrate, Barley Malt Extract, modified tapioca starch, monosodium glutamate (e621), dried glucose syrup, black pepper extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
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.
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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.