Tesco

French fries

Barcode 5057545715963

Scanned 30 times by Nomi users

Yes — French fries is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients/additives such as dextrin and dextrose, which are refined, isolated sugars and starch derivatives. All it takes is one such ingredient for the product to be UPF under NOVA.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

potato 92%
OK

sunflower oil

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

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
OK

potato starch

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

dextrin

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

salt

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

turmeric powder

A bright-orange, finely ground spice from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, used for color and flavor in many cuisines; commonly used in curry blends and as a seasoning.
UPF

dextrose

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

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Not Ultra-Processed

Quick Cook Crispy French Fries

Swap it for something less processed

See all Ready Meals →

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

Common questions about French fries

Is French fries ultra-processed?

Yes — French fries by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients/additives such as dextrin and dextrose, which are refined, isolated sugars and starch derivatives. All it takes is one such ingredient for the product to be UPF under NOVA.

Which ingredients in French fries are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in French fries as ultra-processed markers: dextrin, dextrose. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to French fries?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Quick Cook Crispy French Fries by McCain, French Fries by McCain. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

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.