Itsu

Sesame chicken

Barcode 5060262487884

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — Sesame chicken is ultra-processed.

The product contains several ingredients classified as ultra-processed according to NOVA, including maltodextrin (an industrially processed sugar used as a bulking agent), natural flavouring, and yeast extract (a flavour enhancer). It also contains stabiliser sodium alginate and acidity regulator lactic acid, which are industrial additives. Because at least one UPF ingredient is present, the overall product is classified as ultra-processed.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

udon noodles (81%) (water, wheat flour, tapioca starch, salt, acidity regulator: lactic acid; stabiliser: sodium alginate)
OK

broth paste (19%) (soy sauce [water, soya beans, wheat, salt, alcohol)
OK

tahini paste (sesame) (20%)
OK

stock [maltodextrin
UPF

natural flavouring

A generic flavoring ingredient derived from natural sources used to impart aroma or taste; may include essential oils or extracts.
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

salt

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

sugar

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

dried onion

Dried form of the onion bulb, used as a seasoning; flavor-concentrated and shelf-stable.
OK

sesame oil

A purely extracted oil from sesame seeds used for cooking and finishing; a common culinary oil.
OK

mirin [fermented rice
OK

water

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

maltose
OK

alcohol

A generic alcoholic beverage or ingredient containing ethanol used for flavoring, extraction, or preservation.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

ginger puree

Pureed ginger, a single-ingredient flavoring derived from fresh ginger.
OK

chilli puree

Pureed chili peppers; a basic ingredient and flavoring in cooking, not inherently processed.
OK

paprika

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

garlic puree

A simple mashed garlic cloves, sometimes with a small amount of oil or salt; used as a flavoring or base ingredient.
OK

black pepper

A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

spring onion containing gluten

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Common questions about Sesame chicken

Is Sesame chicken ultra-processed?

Yes — Sesame chicken by Itsu is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains several ingredients classified as ultra-processed according to NOVA, including maltodextrin (an industrially processed sugar used as a bulking agent), natural flavouring, and yeast extract (a flavour enhancer). It also contains stabiliser sodium alginate and acidity regulator lactic acid, which are industrial additives. Because at least one UPF ingredient is present, the overall product is classified as ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Sesame chicken are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Sesame chicken as ultra-processed markers: natural flavouring, 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.