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Yes — Buldak Original Spicy Ramen Cup is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives. Specifically, it includes modified tapioca starch and paprika extract, which have been pre-identified as UPF ingredients, as well as refined palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), soy lecithin (an emulsifier), guar gum (a thickener), artificial chicken flavor powder (artificial flavoring), green tea flavor oil (flavoring), decolorized chilli extract (industrial extract), and other modified starches. These additives and industrial formulations go beyond basic culinary ingredients, so the product is UPF according to NOVA.
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Macaroni Cheese
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Feta & Semi-Dried Tomato Pasta - No Mayo
Tesco
Not UPF
Macaroni cheese
Tesco
Not UPF
Pad Thai Kit
Blue dragon
Not UPF
Ben's original mixed pepper rice
Ben's original
Not UPF
Sundried Tomato Tortelloni
Deliciously Ella
Not UPF
Sun blush Tomato And Basil
Merchant Gourmet
Not UPF
Firecracker
Tilda
Not UPF
Moroccan style Fruity Couscous
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Mozzarella roasted tomato and basil girasoli
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Yes — Buldak Original Spicy Ramen Cup by Samyang is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives. Specifically, it includes modified tapioca starch and paprika extract, which have been pre-identified as UPF ingredients, as well as refined palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), soy lecithin (an emulsifier), guar gum (a thickener), artificial chicken flavor powder (artificial flavoring), green tea flavor oil (flavoring), decolorized chilli extract (industrial extract), and other modified starches. These additives and industrial formulations go beyond basic culinary ingredients, so the product is UPF according to NOVA.
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.