Waitrose

Waitrose Classic Chicken Mini Fillets

Barcode 5063210047932

Yes — Waitrose Classic Chicken Mini Fillets is ultra-processed.

This product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several additives and industrial ingredients. In particular, yeast extract, black pepper extract, and thyme extract are industrially processed flavor enhancers/extracts that fall into the ultra-processed category according to NOVA. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing and are used to intensify flavor, so their presence makes the overall product UPF, even though many other ingredients are minimally processed (e.g., chicken breast, herbs, spices).

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

chicken breast (58%)
OK

wheat flour

A basic refined flour made from wheat, enriched with vitamins and minerals (calcium carbonate, folic acid, iron, niacin, thiamin). Common baking ingredient.
OK

water

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

rapeseed oil

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

wheat starch

Starch extracted from wheat grain, used as a thickener, filler, or texture modifier in foods.
OK

wheat gluten

Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
OK

salt

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

potato starch

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

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
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

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
OK

onion powder

Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
OK

sugar

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

yeast

A living microorganism used as a leavening agent in baking.
OK

ground paprika

A ground spice made from dried peppers, used for color and flavor.
OK

white pepper

A spice ground from ripe peppercorns with the outer husk removed, used to impart mild heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

sage

An aromatic herb (Salvia officinalis) used to flavor meats, stuffings, and sauces; leaves are edible.
OK

onion

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

carrot

A root vegetable used widely in cooking for sweetness, texture, and color.
OK

leek

A vegetable in the onion family with a mild, sweet flavour, often used as a flavour base or side dish.
UPF

black pepper extract

A concentrated extract from black pepper used to impart aroma and slight heat.
OK

parsley

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

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
OK

sunflower oil

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

thyme extract

Concentrated flavor extract derived from thyme used to impart thyme flavor in dishes.
OK

bay leaf allergy advice:

Common questions about Waitrose Classic Chicken Mini Fillets

Is Waitrose Classic Chicken Mini Fillets ultra-processed?

Yes — Waitrose Classic Chicken Mini Fillets by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several additives and industrial ingredients. In particular, yeast extract, black pepper extract, and thyme extract are industrially processed flavor enhancers/extracts that fall into the ultra-processed category according to NOVA. These ingredients go beyond basic culinary processing and are used to intensify flavor, so their presence makes the overall product UPF, even though many other ingredients are minimally processed (e.g., chicken breast, herbs, spices).

Which ingredients in Waitrose Classic Chicken Mini Fillets are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Waitrose Classic Chicken Mini Fillets as ultra-processed markers: yeast extract, black pepper extract, thyme 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.