Yes — Falafels is ultra-processed.
Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list contains dextrose, an industrially refined sugar, which falls under NOVA group 4. Other ingredients are minimally processed, but the presence of dextrose is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Classic Lentil Tarka Daal
Not UPF
Verdure Sourdough Grilled Vegetables, Taggiasca Olives & Basil Sauce Pizza
Croats & Mollica
Not UPF
McCain Naked Oven Chips
McCain
Not UPF
Super Nutty Wholefood
Marks & Spencers,Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
BOL Protein Power Soup Sweet Potato Lentil Daal
BOL
Not UPF
Nutrient Dense beetroot and feta
M&S
Not UPF
Avocado, feta and grain
M&S
Not UPF
Mediterranean Falafel
Gosh!
Not UPF
Moroccan Spiced Falafel
Gosh
Not UPF
sweet potato pakora with red pepper, cumin and chilli
Gosh!
Not UPF
Yes — Falafels by Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference, Sainsbury's taste the difference is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list contains dextrose, an industrially refined sugar, which falls under NOVA group 4. Other ingredients are minimally processed, but the presence of dextrose is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Falafels as an ultra-processed marker: diphosphate salts used as leavening agents. 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.