Tesco Plant Chef

No-beef meatballs

Barcode 5059697719912

Yes — No-beef meatballs is ultra-processed.

This product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrially processed ingredients and additives, including yeast extract, methyl cellulose (a stabiliser), maltodextrin, malted barley extract, dextrose, and added flavouring. These are characteristic of ultra-processed foods in the NOVA classification.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

rehydrated textured soya protein (62%)
OK

water

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

onion purée (8%)
OK

rapeseed oil

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

soya protein concentrate (2%)
OK

chickpea flour

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

stabiliser (methyl cellulose, tomato purée, parsley, garlic purée, onion powder, maltodextrin, garlic powder, salt, malted barley extract, dextrose, black pepper, white pepper, tomato powder, flavouring. allergens_malted_barley,_soya)

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Other fruit & vegetables Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about No-beef meatballs

Is No-beef meatballs ultra-processed?

Yes — No-beef meatballs by Tesco Plant Chef is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrially processed ingredients and additives, including yeast extract, methyl cellulose (a stabiliser), maltodextrin, malted barley extract, dextrose, and added flavouring. These are characteristic of ultra-processed foods in the NOVA classification.

Which ingredients in No-beef meatballs are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in No-beef meatballs as an ultra-processed marker: yeast extract. 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.