Little Dish

Spaghetti Meatballs

Barcode 5060121673847

Scanned 12 times by Nomi users

Yes — Spaghetti Meatballs is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes beef extract, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient, as well as yeast extract, an industrially processed flavor enhancer. These extracted and concentrated ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing according to the NOVA classification.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

tomato

A fresh tomato, with 22% indicated as part of the ingredient listing. Common culinary fresh produce.
UPF

cooked spaghetti with beef meatballs

A prepared ready-to-serve dish containing cooked spaghetti and beef meatballs; indicates water as part of the cooked spaghetti.
OK

durum wheat. או ובעוטארס cornflour
OK

rapeseed oil

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

herbs

A general category of culinary herbs (fresh or dried leaves) used to flavor dishes.
UPF

yeast extract

A flavoring extracted from yeast used to enhance savory tastes; often a source of umami.
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
OK

sunflower oil

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

beef extract

Concentrated meat flavor extract derived from beef; considered ultra-processed due to being an extracted flavoring often produced through industrial processes.
OK

salt

Common mineral seasoning used in food; safe, basic ingredient.
OK

paprika

A ground spice made from dried red peppers (Capsicum species), used for color and flavor in many cuisines.
OK

dietary fibre

Dietary fibre; a non-digestible carbohydrate used to aid digestion and regulate bowel movements.
OK

potato starch

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

onion

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

apple extract

A liquid or powder obtained by extracting compounds from apples, often used as a natural flavoring or aroma in foods.
OK

water

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

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.
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

rice

A basic staple grain consumed worldwide, used in a wide range of dishes.

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Common questions about Spaghetti Meatballs

Is Spaghetti Meatballs ultra-processed?

Yes — Spaghetti Meatballs by Little Dish is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes beef extract, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient, as well as yeast extract, an industrially processed flavor enhancer. These extracted and concentrated ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing according to the NOVA classification.

Which ingredients in Spaghetti Meatballs are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Spaghetti Meatballs as ultra-processed markers: cooked spaghetti with beef meatballs, yeast extract, beef extract, apple 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.