Old El Paso

old el paso rice meal kit

Barcode 8410076472014

Scanned 18 times by Nomi users

Yes — old el paso rice meal kit is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial ingredients and additives, including maltodextrin, paprika extract (pre-identified UPF ingredient), natural flavourings, modified corn starch, smoked dextrose, preservative (acetic acid), and lemon juice concentrate. These are characteristic of NOVA Group 4 ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

seasoned rice (57%): white long grain parboiled rice
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.
OK

tomato powder

Powdered tomato used as a flavoring or ingredient, a minimally processed dried tomato product.
OK

salt

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

sugar

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

sunflower oil

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

paprika extract

Concentrated flavor ingredient derived from paprika (capsicum) used to impart paprika flavor without the physical pepper pieces.
OK

parsley

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

citric acid

A natural organic acid used to balance acidity and preserve foods; a common food additive.
OK

cooking sauce (42%): tomato puree
OK

chopped tomatoes

Tomatoes that have been chopped, a basic vegetable ingredient used in cooking.
OK

yellow bell pepper

A sweet, crisp immature pepper with a bright yellow skin, used raw or cooked.
OK

onion

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

water

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

garlic puree (4%)
OK

smoked red chili puree (3%) (chopped chillies, water, smoked dextrose, tomato paste, smoked salt, preservative (acetic acid), chilli powder)
UPF

natural flavourings

Flavorings derived from natural sources used to impart taste or aroma; typically a mix of essential oils, compounds, or extracts.
UPF

modified corn starch

A processed starch produced from corn by modifying its starch molecules for improved stability and texture.
OK

white vinegar

Fermented acetic acid solution used as a condiment and preservative.
OK

lemon juice concentrate

Concentrated lemon juice, a tart citrus flavoring derived from lemons.
OK

calcium chloride (firming agent)

Calcium chloride is an edible salt used as a firming agent in canned vegetables, pickles, and various foods.
OK

hydrolysed chicken meat
OK

seasoning mix (1%) maltodextrin
OK

tomato powder (30%)
OK

spices (paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper)
OK

herbs (oregano, parsley)

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Common questions about old el paso rice meal kit

Is old el paso rice meal kit ultra-processed?

Yes — old el paso rice meal kit by Old El Paso is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial ingredients and additives, including maltodextrin, paprika extract (pre-identified UPF ingredient), natural flavourings, modified corn starch, smoked dextrose, preservative (acetic acid), and lemon juice concentrate. These are characteristic of NOVA Group 4 ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in old el paso rice meal kit are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in old el paso rice meal kit as ultra-processed markers: maltodextrin, paprika extract, natural flavourings, modified corn starch. 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.