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Yes — Tomato & Herb Bolognese Sauce is ultra-processed.
Classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed thickener/starch additive used to alter texture and stability, making the product UPF under NOVA. Other ingredients like citric acid are acceptable basic additives, but the presence of modified starch is sufficient to classify it as UPF.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Duchy Organic Mayonnaise
Waitrose & Partners
Not UPF
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Tesco
Not UPF
Chef Ketchup
Heinz
Not UPF
Spreadable Lighter
Nordpak
Not UPF
Avocado & Lemon Mayo
The Foraging Fox
Not UPF
Traditional Genovese Pesto
Belazu
Not UPF
Tailor Original Tikka Masala
The Spice Tailor
Not UPF
Organic Houmous ~ With added extra virgin olive oil
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Organic Tamari Soy Sauce
Yutaka
Not UPF
Tomato Ketchup
Sainsbury's, By Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Yes — Tomato & Herb Bolognese Sauce by By Sainsbury's, Sainsbury’s is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed thickener/starch additive used to alter texture and stability, making the product UPF under NOVA. Other ingredients like citric acid are acceptable basic additives, but the presence of modified starch is sufficient to classify it as UPF.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Bolognese sauce by Mr Organic, Bolognese Original by Loyd Grossman, Bolognese Pasta Sauce by M&S, Marks & Spencer. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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.
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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.