Heck

Meat-Free Sausages

Barcode 5060317354543

Scanned 25 times by Nomi users

Yes — Meat-Free Sausages is ultra-processed.

The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA, including: flavourings, stabiliser (methyl cellulose), preservative (sodium sulphite), dextrose monohydrate, maltodextrin, yeast extracts, and natural flavouring. Any one of these would make it UPF; together they clearly classify it as an ultra-processed product.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

textured pea protein (10%)
OK

functional binder (pea protein, starch)
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
UPF

methyl cellulose stabiliser

A cellulose-derived thickener and stabiliser used in various processed foods.
OK

psyllium

Dietary fiber from the seeds of Plantago ovata used as a bulking fiber and thickener.
OK

pea fibre

Ground pea fibers used as a dietary fiber or texture enhancer in foods.
UPF

yeast extract

Concentrated extracts from yeast used as a flavor enhancer in foods; often rich in natural glutamates.
OK

spices

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

colour (betanin)
OK

herb

A general culinary plant used to flavor dishes; lacks specificity of species.
OK

salt

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

rapeseed oil

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

gluten free crumb (rice flour, water, dextrose monohydrate, vegetable fibre)
OK

coconut oil

Oil pressed from mature coconuts, used for cooking and baking.
OK

grilled white onion
OK

vegetable oil

A basic edible oil blend from pressed seeds (sunflower and rapeseed).
OK

citrus fibre

Fibrous material derived from citrus fruits, used as dietary fiber and texturizer in foods.
OK

parsley

A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.
UPF

sodium sulfite (preservative)

A common food preservative used to inhibit browning and spoilage in dried fruits, wines, and processed foods.
UPF

natural flavouring

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

colour (maltodextrin, plant and fruit concentrates). filled into calcium alginate casing. **we use this to help our sausages stay fresh for longer. allergens refer to ingredients in bold. nutritional information energy fat

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

Common questions about Meat-Free Sausages

Is Meat-Free Sausages ultra-processed?

Yes — Meat-Free Sausages by Heck is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA, including: flavourings, stabiliser (methyl cellulose), preservative (sodium sulphite), dextrose monohydrate, maltodextrin, yeast extracts, and natural flavouring. Any one of these would make it UPF; together they clearly classify it as an ultra-processed product.

Which ingredients in Meat-Free Sausages are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Meat-Free Sausages as ultra-processed markers: flavourings, methyl cellulose stabiliser, yeast extract, sodium sulfite (preservative), natural flavouring. 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.