Yes — old-el-paso is ultra-processed.
The ingredients list includes several ultra-processed components according to NOVA, including stabilisers, xanthan gum, emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), modified corn starch, smoke flavouring, flavourings, and yeast extract. These are industrial additives and formulations not typically found in home cooking, so the product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Naked Oven Chips
McCain
Not UPF
Onion Bhaji
Not UPF
Onion bhajia
By sainsbury's
Not UPF
Pizza express margherita
Pizza Express
Not UPF
Quick Cook Crispy French Fries
McCain
Not UPF
Vegetable sushi medium
Sainsbury’s
Not UPF
Margherita Sourdough Pizza
Crosta & Mollica
Not UPF
Pizza
Crosta&Mollica
Not UPF
Classic Margherita Mozzarella & Tomato Pizza
Pizza Express
Not UPF
Yes — old-el-paso by Old El Paso is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredients list includes several ultra-processed components according to NOVA, including stabilisers, xanthan gum, emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), modified corn starch, smoke flavouring, flavourings, and yeast extract. These are industrial additives and formulations not typically found in home cooking, so the product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).
Nomi flags 8 ingredients in old-el-paso as ultra-processed markers: xanthan gum, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, modified corn starch, hydrolyzed soy protein, smoke flavouring, flavourings, yeast extract, plain caramel color. 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.