Sainsburys

Baked Beans

Barcode 00272513

Scanned 60 times by Nomi users

Yes — Baked Beans is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) primarily because it contains industrial additives and extracts: modified maize starch (a chemically modified starch used as a thickener/stabilizer), paprika extract, garlic extract, and added flavouring (onion oil). These are isolated or processed additives beyond basic culinary ingredients, which places the product in the UPF category according to NOVA. The presence of basic ingredients like beans, tomatoes, water, sugar, salt, onion powder, and paprika powder does not negate the UPF classification.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

haricot beans (51%)
OK

tomatoes (33%)
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

salt

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

onion powder

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

paprika extract

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

paprika powder

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

flavouring onion oil
UPF

garlic extract

A flavoring made by concentrating compounds from garlic, used to impart garlic flavor in foods and seasonings.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Baked Beans in tomato sauce

Biona Organic Baked Beans Classic

Biona Organic

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Cupboard Staples →

Other cupboard staples Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Baked Beans

Is Baked Beans ultra-processed?

Yes — Baked Beans by Sainsburys is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) primarily because it contains industrial additives and extracts: modified maize starch (a chemically modified starch used as a thickener/stabilizer), paprika extract, garlic extract, and added flavouring (onion oil). These are isolated or processed additives beyond basic culinary ingredients, which places the product in the UPF category according to NOVA. The presence of basic ingredients like beans, tomatoes, water, sugar, salt, onion powder, and paprika powder does not negate the UPF classification.

Which ingredients in Baked Beans are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Baked Beans as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, paprika extract, garlic extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Baked Beans?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Baked Beans in tomato sauce by Sainsbury’s Organic, Organic baked beans by mr organic, Biona Organic Baked Beans Classic by Biona Organic. 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.

Baked Beans

Ingredients

Healthier alternatives

Swap it for something less processed

Common questions about Baked Beans

Is Baked Beans ultra-processed?

Which ingredients in Baked Beans are ultra-processed?

What are healthier alternatives to Baked Beans?

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