Beef Macaroni Bake

Barcode 684005640609

Yes — Beef Macaroni Bake is ultra-processed.

Classified as UPF because it contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives, including: sweetener: steviol glycosides (intense artificial/nonnutritive sweetener), anticaking agent (industrial additive), modified waxy maize starch (industrial modified starch), and unspecified seasonings and sauces that typically include additives (fajita seasoning, chicken seasoning, chipotle in adobo, ketchup). The presence of these industrially formulated ingredients and additives places the product in NOVA Group 4 (ultra-processed foods).

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

diced beef brisket

Small, cubed pieces of beef brisket, a cut from the chest area, typically used in stews and braises.
OK

cauliflower

A white, compact head of flowering curd with edible florets; a common vegetable used fresh, roasted, steamed, or puréed.
OK

macaroni (wheat)

Dried short pasta made from durum wheat semolina; a basic staple in many dishes.
OK

red onion

Red onion, a pungent bulb frequently used as a base flavor or garnish in cooking.
OK

peppers

A general term for various edible peppers, often bell peppers or chili peppers, used fresh or cooked.
OK

water

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

semi skimmed milk

Dairy milk with reduced fat content.
OK

cream (milk)

Dairy cream made from milk, a basic culinary ingredient.
OK

mozzarella cheese

A fresh soft cheese made from cow's milk, known for its mild flavor and stretchy texture when melted.
OK

potato starch

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

soft cheese

A soft cheese such as cream cheese or brie, made from milk and with a higher moisture content; typically spreadable.
UPF

bbq base sauce

A processed barbecue-style sauce base made from malt vinegar (barley), modified waxy maize starch, and lactic acid; includes starch and acidified ingredients common in industrial sauces, classed as UPF due to processing.
OK

cheddar cheese

A traditional cheese produced from cow's milk; a basic dairy product not considered ultra-processed.
OK

red leicester cheese

A traditional cheese produced from cow's milk; a basic dairy product not considered ultra-processed.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

cornflour

Ground corn starch used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
OK

fajita seasoning

A dry spice mix used to flavor fajitas, typically containing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and salt. Often includes salt and anti-caking agents; may contain additives.
OK

onion

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

ketchup (celery)

A processed tomato-based sauce flavored with vinegar and sugar; celery often listed as a flavoring or included as a minor ingredient in some brands.
UPF

steviol glycosides (stevia)

A high-intensity non-nutritive sweetener extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, used to sweeten products.
OK

chicken seasoning

A spice blend used to season chicken, can be a dry rub or powder with salt, herbs, paprika, garlic, onion, and other spices. Commonly includes flavor enhancers or anti-caking agents.
OK

sweet potato

A starchy root vegetable rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins. Commonly baked, boiled, or roasted.
OK

mustard powder

Ground mustard seeds, used as a spice and flavoring.
OK

tamari soy sauce (soy sauce)

A salty, fermented liquid seasoning made from soybeans. Tamari is often gluten-free and used as a dipping sauce or flavor enhancer.
OK

chipotle in adobo

A smoked jalapeño pepper canned in a tomato-adobo sauce (contains vinegar, spices). Used to add heat and smoky flavor.
OK

tomato paste

Concentrated tomato juice cooked down to a thick, concentrated concentrate used as a base or flavoring in sauces and dishes.
OK

sea salt

A basic mineral-rich salt derived from evaporated seawater, used as a seasoning and preservative.
OK

garlic

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

ginger

A pungent, aromatic rhizome used fresh or dried in cooking and beverages.
OK

demerara sugar

Demerara sugar is a coarse-grained brown sugar derived from the cane sugar refining process.
OK

tamarind concentrate

A concentrated paste derived from tamarind fruit, used as a souring agent and flavor enhancer in sauces, curries, and chutneys.
OK

red wine vinegar

A vinegar produced by fermenting red wine with acetic acid bacteria, used as a tangy condiment and cooking acid.
OK

smoked paprika

A spice made from dried, smoked, and ground red peppers (pimentón). Rich, sweet-smoky flavor with mild heat used in numerous cuisines including Spanish dishes.
OK

ground cumin

A spice made from dried, ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum. Warm, earthy, slightly citrusy flavor commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.
OK

turmeric

A bright orange-yellow root commonly used as a spice and for its active compound curcumin, with warm, earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
OK

ground allspice

Ground allspice is a spice made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree, finely milled into a powder used to add warm, sweet, and peppery notes to dishes.

Common questions about Beef Macaroni Bake

Is Beef Macaroni Bake ultra-processed?

Yes — Beef Macaroni Bake is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as UPF because it contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives, including: sweetener: steviol glycosides (intense artificial/nonnutritive sweetener), anticaking agent (industrial additive), modified waxy maize starch (industrial modified starch), and unspecified seasonings and sauces that typically include additives (fajita seasoning, chicken seasoning, chipotle in adobo, ketchup). The presence of these industrially formulated ingredients and additives places the product in NOVA Group 4 (ultra-processed foods).

Which ingredients in Beef Macaroni Bake are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Beef Macaroni Bake as ultra-processed markers: bbq base sauce, ketchup (celery), steviol glycosides (stevia). 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.