Sweet Baby Ray's

Barbecue Sauce

Barcode 0013409918104

Scanned 29 times by Nomi users

Yes — Barbecue Sauce is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives and refined ingredients: glucose-fructose (an industrially processed sugar syrup), modified corn starch (a chemically/physically modified starch used as a thickener), natural smoke flavour and natural flavour (industrial flavoring agents), caramel colour (color additive), and sodium benzoate (a preservative). Presence of any of these places the product in the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

sugars (glucose-fructose, con - centrated pineapple juice, refiners' molasses, sugar)
OK

tomato paste

Concentrated tomato juice cooked down to a thick, concentrated concentrate used as a base or flavoring in sauces and dishes.
OK

vinegar

A sour-tasting liquid produced by fermentation, widely used as a condiment and preservative.
OK

water

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

modified corn starch

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

salt

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

natural smoke flavour
OK

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.
OK

caramel colour
OK

sodium benzoate (preservative)
OK

dried garlic

Dehydrated garlic cloves ground or whole, used as a pungent seasoning with long shelf life.
OK

mustard flour

Ground mustard seeds used as a spice or condiment; a basic, natural ingredient derived from mustard seeds.
OK

tamarind

A tropical leguminous tree fruit with sour pulp used to impart tartness in sauces and curry pastes.
UPF

natural flavour

A flavouring substance derived from natural sources used to impart aroma and taste in foods.
OK

celery seed. contains: mustard

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

BBQ Sauce with Smoked Paprika

Bays Kitchen

View product →

Not Ultra-Processed

Unsweetened Barbecue Smokey Classic

Hunter & Gather

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Sauces, Condiments & Spreads →

Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Barbecue Sauce

Is Barbecue Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Barbecue Sauce by Sweet Baby Ray's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives and refined ingredients: glucose-fructose (an industrially processed sugar syrup), modified corn starch (a chemically/physically modified starch used as a thickener), natural smoke flavour and natural flavour (industrial flavoring agents), caramel colour (color additive), and sodium benzoate (a preservative). Presence of any of these places the product in the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category.

Which ingredients in Barbecue Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Barbecue Sauce as ultra-processed markers: modified corn starch, natural flavour. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Barbecue Sauce?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including original BBQ sauce by Sauce Shop, BBQ Sauce with Smoked Paprika by Bays Kitchen, Unsweetened Barbecue Smokey Classic by Hunter & Gather. 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.

Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

Healthier alternatives

Swap it for something less processed

Common questions about Barbecue Sauce

Is Barbecue Sauce ultra-processed?

Which ingredients in Barbecue Sauce are ultra-processed?

What are healthier alternatives to Barbecue Sauce?

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan it yourself,right in the aisle

Scan it yourself,
right in the aisle