Sainsburys

Sweet Pepper Stir-in Pasta Sauce

Barcode 00278386

Scanned 6 times by Nomi users

Yes — Sweet Pepper Stir-in Pasta Sauce is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed ingredient/additive and is explicitly classified as an ultra-processed (UPF) component in the NOVA system context given. Because at least one ingredient is UPF, the overall product is classified as ultra-processed.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

tomato (30%)

Tomato content likely as a fruit or tomato puree/puree component, used as a vegetable/ingredient in products.
OK

water

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

crushed tomato (14%)
OK

red pepper (10%)
OK

yellow pepper (10%)
OK

tomato paste

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

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

rapeseed oil

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

modified maize starch

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

basil

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

sugar

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

lemon juice concentrate

Lemon juice that has been concentrated by removing water; used as a souring agent or flavoring in foods.
OK

salt

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

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
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.

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Common questions about Sweet Pepper Stir-in Pasta Sauce

Is Sweet Pepper Stir-in Pasta Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Sweet Pepper Stir-in Pasta Sauce by Sainsburys is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed ingredient/additive and is explicitly classified as an ultra-processed (UPF) component in the NOVA system context given. Because at least one ingredient is UPF, the overall product is classified as ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Sweet Pepper Stir-in Pasta Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Sweet Pepper Stir-in Pasta Sauce as an ultra-processed marker: modified maize starch. 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.