Sainsburys

chilli pesto

Barcode 00135443

Scanned 19 times by Nomi users

Yes — chilli pesto is ultra-processed.

This is ultra-processed because it contains refined soybean oil and paprika extract, an isolated colour additive. The refined oil is an industrially processed fat, and paprika extract is an extracted additive used for colouring. These ingredients classify the product as UPF under the stated NOVA criteria. Lactic acid, citric acid, and ascorbic acid are basic acidity regulators/antioxidants and are not the reasons for the classification.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

red peppers

Red bell peppers used as a vegetable, fresh and common in cooking.
OK

vegetable oil

A blend of basic edible oils used for cooking and formulation.
OK

tomato purée

Cooked tomato puree used as a base or ingredient in sauces and dishes.
OK

parsley

A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.
OK

pecorino romano cheese (sheep's milk)

A hard, aged Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk, typically salty and flavorful, used for grating or shaving over dishes.
OK

sugar

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

salt

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

partially rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes

Tomatoes that have been dried and then rehydrated to a pliable texture, commonly used as a flavorful ingredient in salads, pastas, and antipasti.
OK

paprika powder

Ground dried red paprika peppers used as a spice to add color and mild to moderate heat.
OK

cashew nuts, pine nuts

Two types of nuts: cashews and pine nuts, used in a variety of dishes or as snacks; they are whole, minimally processed plant foods.
OK

chilli flakes

Dried crushed chili peppers used as a spicy seasoning; common in many cuisines as a heat and flavoring agent.
OK

lactic acid

An organic acid used to regulate acidity and add a sour taste in foods.
OK

citric acid; garlic powder

A combination of citric acid (a sour-tasting acid) and garlic powder (dried garlic) used as flavoring and preservative in foods.
UPF

paprika extract; oregano coloring

Paprika extract used as a colorant, often alongside dried oregano; oregano is a culinary herb.
OK

basil

A leafy herb used fresh or dried to flavor dishes; not typically processed as a food ingredient beyond drying or freshness.
OK

ascorbic acid and black pepper

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant commonly used to preserve foods and boost nutritional value; black pepper is a widely used spice derived from Piper nigrum that adds pungency and aroma.

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Common questions about chilli pesto

Is chilli pesto ultra-processed?

Yes — chilli pesto by Sainsburys is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This is ultra-processed because it contains refined soybean oil and paprika extract, an isolated colour additive. The refined oil is an industrially processed fat, and paprika extract is an extracted additive used for colouring. These ingredients classify the product as UPF under the stated NOVA criteria. Lactic acid, citric acid, and ascorbic acid are basic acidity regulators/antioxidants and are not the reasons for the classification.

Which ingredients in chilli pesto are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in chilli pesto as an ultra-processed marker: paprika extract; oregano coloring. 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.