Sainsbury's

Spaghetti Strands in Tasty Tomato Sauce

Barcode 00101004

Yes — Spaghetti Strands in Tasty Tomato Sauce is ultra-processed.

Not a great choice for everyday, due to several industrial additives.

This product is ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, paprika extract, yeast extract, and flavouring. These are industrially extracted or formulated additives: modified maize starch acts as a thickener, while paprika extract, yeast extract, and flavouring provide concentrated or enhanced flavour. The other ingredients, including tomatoes, spaghetti, sugar, fortified wheat flour, rapeseed oil, citric acid, and added vitamins and minerals, do not independently determine the classification.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

tomatoes

A fresh, red fruit used as a staple in salads, sauces, and cooking. The 49% indicates its proportion in the mixture.
OK

cooked spaghetti

Pasta product made from durum wheat semolina and water that has been cooked. The 45% suggests its share in the mixture.
OK

water

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

sugar

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

modified maize starch

A processed starch, often used as a thickener or binding agent in foods; may be treated to modify properties.
OK

onion powder

Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
OK

salt

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

fortified wheat flour

Wheat flour that has been enriched with vitamins and minerals to improve its nutritional value.
OK

calcium carbonate

A basic inorganic calcium salt used as a nutrition supplement and anticaking agent in foods.
OK

iron

Essential mineral used as a nutrient or fortifying ingredient in foods.
OK

niacin (vitamin b3)

A water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient and often added to foods as a fortifying vitamin.
OK

thiamine

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

citric acid

A weak organic acid used to regulate acidity in foods; commonly produced industrially via fermentation of sugars and used as a preservative and flavor enhancer.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

paprika

A ground spice made from dried red peppers (Capsicum species), used for color and flavor in many cuisines.
UPF

paprika extract

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

yeast extract

A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
UPF

flavouring

A flavoring substance used to impart taste to foods, often used as a basic culinary ingredient or additive.
OK

frozen

A basic state of food preserved by freezing.
OK

dried

Food with water removed, such as dried fruits or herbs.

Common questions about Spaghetti Strands in Tasty Tomato Sauce

Is Spaghetti Strands in Tasty Tomato Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Spaghetti Strands in Tasty Tomato Sauce by Sainsbury's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, paprika extract, yeast extract, and flavouring. These are industrially extracted or formulated additives: modified maize starch acts as a thickener, while paprika extract, yeast extract, and flavouring provide concentrated or enhanced flavour. The other ingredients, including tomatoes, spaghetti, sugar, fortified wheat flour, rapeseed oil, citric acid, and added vitamins and minerals, do not independently determine the classification.

Which ingredients in Spaghetti Strands in Tasty Tomato Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Spaghetti Strands in Tasty Tomato Sauce as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, paprika extract, yeast extract, flavouring. 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.