Yes — Chicken Ramen Noodles is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains UPF ingredients including yeast extract and natural flavouring, which are industrially produced flavor enhancers/additives. It also contains palm oil in the fried onions, another marker of ultra-processing. While many other ingredients are minimally processed, the presence of these additives is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF under NOVA guidelines.
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Caribbean Rice & Peas Basmati Rice
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Spinach, Buffalo Ricotta, Pine Nuts Girasoli
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Not UPF
FRESH EGG PASTA TAGLIATELLE
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Not UPF
Gnocchis tomato & mozzarella
Giovanni Rana
Not UPF
Basil and Pine Nut Ravioli
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference
Not UPF
Pumpkin & Pine Nuts Girasoli
Aldi Specially Selected
Not UPF
Dell' Ugo
Dell Ugh
Not UPF
Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Tortellini
Plants
Not UPF
Beef Lasagne
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Pan-Fry Gnocchi
Rana
Not UPF
Yes — Chicken Ramen Noodles is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains UPF ingredients including yeast extract and natural flavouring, which are industrially produced flavor enhancers/additives. It also contains palm oil in the fried onions, another marker of ultra-processing. While many other ingredients are minimally processed, the presence of these additives is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF under NOVA guidelines.
Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Chicken Ramen Noodles as ultra-processed markers: yeast extract, natural flavouring. 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.