Marks & Spencer

Tomato Salsa

Barcode 00322171

Scanned 15 times by Nomi users

Yes — Tomato Salsa is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains guar gum, an industrial stabiliser/thickener additive. According to the NOVA criteria, the presence of such additives used to modify texture places the product in the ultra-processed category, even though most other ingredients are simple culinary ingredients.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

tomatoes (60%)
OK

tomato juice

Liquid extracted from tomatoes, used as a beverage or base for sauces.
OK

tomato purée

A tomato-based concentrate obtained by cooking down tomatoes, commonly used as a base or seasoning in dishes.
OK

onions (7%)
OK

rapeseed oil

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

lime juice

Juice extracted from limes; a basic culinary ingredient used for acidity and flavor.
OK

coriander (cilantro seeds)

Dried seeds of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum). Warm, citrusy flavor used ground or as whole seeds in spice blends and curries.
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

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
UPF

guar gum (stabiliser)

A plant-derived thickener and stabiliser used to improve texture and emulsion stability in foods.
UPF

paprika extract

A concentrated pigment derived from paprika used as a colorant in foods.
OK

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.

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Common questions about Tomato Salsa

Is Tomato Salsa ultra-processed?

Yes — Tomato Salsa by Marks & Spencer is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains guar gum, an industrial stabiliser/thickener additive. According to the NOVA criteria, the presence of such additives used to modify texture places the product in the ultra-processed category, even though most other ingredients are simple culinary ingredients.

Which ingredients in Tomato Salsa are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Tomato Salsa as ultra-processed markers: guar gum (stabiliser), paprika extract. 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.