Kohinoor

tarka dal

Barcode 8901047816178

Scanned 27 times by Nomi users

Yes — tarka dal is ultra-processed.

The dish contains modified starch, which is an industrially processed ingredient used as a thickener and stabilizer, making the overall product ultra-processed according to the NOVA classification.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

water

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

onion (11%)
OK

tomato (8,8%)
OK

red lentil (3,8%)
OK

split chickpea (3,8%)
OK

sunflower oil

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

pigeon pea (1,9%)
OK

garlic

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

moong beans (1,3%)
OK

salt

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

green chili

Fresh green chili pepper, adds heat and fresh flavor; edible fruit of Capsicum species.
OK

green coriander
UPF

modified starch

Starch that has been chemically or physically modified to alter its thickening, texture, or stability properties; commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer in processed foods.
OK

turmeric powder

A bright-orange, finely ground spice from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, used for color and flavor in many cuisines; commonly used in curry blends and as a seasoning.
OK

ginger

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

mango powder

Powder made from dried mango fruit, used as a flavoring or colorant in various cuisines.
OK

cumin seeds (0,16%) and red chilli powder

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Swap it for something less processed

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Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about tarka dal

Is tarka dal ultra-processed?

Yes — tarka dal by Kohinoor is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The dish contains modified starch, which is an industrially processed ingredient used as a thickener and stabilizer, making the overall product ultra-processed according to the NOVA classification.

Which ingredients in tarka dal are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in tarka dal as an ultra-processed marker: modified starch. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to tarka dal?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Tarka Dal by Waitrose, Tarka Dal by Marks & Spencer. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

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.