Agave Drink Mix

Barcode 5060604760279

Yes — Agave Drink Mix is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and formulations, including natural flavouring, glycerol, malic acid, sodium citrate, and sucralose, all of which are explicitly identified as UPF ingredients in the NOVA framework used here. Additional processing indicators include pectin as a gelling agent, tapioca starch as a refined starch, methylcellulose as a thickener, and multiple acidity regulators and stabilizers (lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, potassium citrate), as well as colour additive (beetroot red) and glazing/anticaking agents (carnauba wax, vegetable oil used as anti-caking). These go beyond basic culinary processing and place the product clearly in the ultra-processed category.

Ingredients

6 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

agave syrup

A traditional natural sweetener extracted from the sap of the agave plant, used as a sweetener in foods and beverages.
OK

pectin

A natural polysaccharide derived from plant cell walls, used as a gelling and thickening agent in jams, jellies, and desserts.
OK

tapioca starch

Starch extracted from cassava (tapioca root), used as a thickener and binder.
UPF

natural flavouring

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

glycerol

A simple polyol often used as a humectant and smoothing agent in foods and cosmetics.
OK

lactic acid

A naturally occurring organic acid used as an acidity regulator and flavoring in foods.
OK

citric acid

A weak organic acid found in citrus fruits, commonly used as an acidulant and preservative in foods and beverages.
OK

malic acid

An organic acid used as a acidity regulator and flavouring component in foods; often derived from natural sources.
OK

tartaric acid

A natural organic acid (tartric acid) used as an acidity regulator and leavening aid in foods.
UPF

beetroot red colorant

Natural or synthetic colorant derived from beetroot used to impart red color in foods.
UPF

sodium citrate

A salt of citric acid used as acidity regulator, buffering agent, or emulsifier in processed foods and beverages.
OK

sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda; a basic leavening agent used in baking and cooking.
OK

potassium citrate

Salt of citric acid used as acidity regulator and stabilizer in foods.
UPF

sucralose

A synthetic, non-nutritive sweetener derived from sucrose by chlorination; widely used as a low-calorie sweetener in foods and beverages.
UPF

methycellulose

A cellulose derivative used as thickener, stabilizer, and texturizer in foods; often used in processed products.
OK

carnauba wax

A natural plant wax derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm, commonly used as a glazing agent and release agent in foods.

Common questions about Agave Drink Mix

Is Agave Drink Mix ultra-processed?

Yes — Agave Drink Mix is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and formulations, including natural flavouring, glycerol, malic acid, sodium citrate, and sucralose, all of which are explicitly identified as UPF ingredients in the NOVA framework used here. Additional processing indicators include pectin as a gelling agent, tapioca starch as a refined starch, methylcellulose as a thickener, and multiple acidity regulators and stabilizers (lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, potassium citrate), as well as colour additive (beetroot red) and glazing/anticaking agents (carnauba wax, vegetable oil used as anti-caking). These go beyond basic culinary processing and place the product clearly in the ultra-processed category.

Which ingredients in Agave Drink Mix are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 6 ingredients in Agave Drink Mix as ultra-processed markers: natural flavouring, glycerol, beetroot red colorant, sodium citrate, sucralose, methycellulose. 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.