Swedish meatballs

Barcode 5060084347601

Scanned 11 times by Nomi users

Yes — Swedish meatballs is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains dextrose, which is an isolated refined sugar explicitly identified as a UPF ingredient. It also includes other industrially processed additives such as potato starch, potato flakes, potato fibre (isolated fibre), natural aroma (flavouring), and spice extract, which contribute to its UPF classification.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

meat 60% (pork 47%, beef 13%)
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

potato

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

potato starch

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

potato flakes

Dried flakes of potato used as a base pantry ingredient or as a thickener in soups and mashed potato preparations.
OK

salt

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

potato fibre

A dietary fibre ingredient derived from potatoes, used to increase fiber content and modify texture.
OK

sugar

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

dextrose

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

beef stock

A basic liquid made from simmered beef bones and meat to provide savory flavor; may be used as a soup base or cooking liquid.
UPF

natural aroma

A flavoring derived from natural sources used to impart aroma and taste to foods; considered a flavoring agent.
UPF

spice extract

An extract obtained from spices to deliver concentrated aroma/flavor, commonly used in seasonings and processed foods.

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Other meat & poultry Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Swedish meatballs

Is Swedish meatballs ultra-processed?

Yes — Swedish meatballs is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains dextrose, which is an isolated refined sugar explicitly identified as a UPF ingredient. It also includes other industrially processed additives such as potato starch, potato flakes, potato fibre (isolated fibre), natural aroma (flavouring), and spice extract, which contribute to its UPF classification.

Which ingredients in Swedish meatballs are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Swedish meatballs as ultra-processed markers: dextrose, natural aroma, spice 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.