Lee Kum Kee

Teriyaki Sauce

Barcode 0078895142990

Yes — Teriyaki Sauce is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives: modified corn starch (processed thickener), caramel color (color additive), xanthan gum (industrial stabilizer/thickener), Reb A stevia extract (industrial high-intensity sweetener), and sodium benzoate (chemical preservative). Any one of these would be enough to make it a UPF per NOVA-style criteria; together they clearly indicate an ultra-processed formulation.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

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.
OK

salt

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

soybeans

Dried seeds of the soybean, used to make soy products like tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.
UPF

modified corn starch

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

tomato paste

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

wheat flour

Finely ground cereal flour from wheat; a fundamental baking ingredient.
OK

rice cooking wine
OK

contains less than 2% of dehydrated onion
OK

spice

Diverse plant-derived flavoring agents used to season foods; typically used in small amounts.
OK

dehydrated garlic

Dried garlic, typically used as a flavoring or spice; a basic culinary ingredient.
OK

lactic acid

A naturally occurring organic acid used as an acidity regulator and flavoring in foods.
UPF

caramel color

A food coloring produced by controlled heating of carbohydrates with acids, alkalis, or ammonium compounds; used to impart brown color in many beverages and foods.
UPF

xanthan gum

A microbial polysaccharide used as a thickener and stabilizer; widely used food additive.
OK

reb a (stevia extract)
OK

and sodium benzoate added as a preservative

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

Common questions about Teriyaki Sauce

Is Teriyaki Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Teriyaki Sauce by Lee Kum Kee is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives: modified corn starch (processed thickener), caramel color (color additive), xanthan gum (industrial stabilizer/thickener), Reb A stevia extract (industrial high-intensity sweetener), and sodium benzoate (chemical preservative). Any one of these would be enough to make it a UPF per NOVA-style criteria; together they clearly indicate an ultra-processed formulation.

Which ingredients in Teriyaki Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Teriyaki Sauce as ultra-processed markers: modified corn starch, caramel color, xanthan gum. 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.