Tesco

High Strength Vitamin C

Barcode 03025819

Yes — High Strength Vitamin C is ultra-processed.

The product contains industrial additives such as citric acid, sorbitol, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K), flavouring, and a colour additive, which are characteristic of ultra-processed foods according to NOVA.

Ingredients

6 ultra-processed markers

UPF

citric acid

A sour-tasting organic acid used as an acidulant and preservative in foods. Commonly added in small amounts to adjust acidity.
OK

vitamin c (ascorbic acid)

A water-soluble essential nutrient and antioxidant used as a dietary supplement and food additive.
OK

sodium bicarbonate

A basic leavening agent and acidity regulator (baking soda) used to neutralize acids in doughs and batters.
UPF

sorbitol (bulking agent)

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a bulking agent and sweetener in foods. It provides bulk without significant calories and is commonly used in sugar-free products.
UPF

artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame k)

A blend of synthetic sweeteners used as sugar substitutes in beverages and foods; contains aspartame and acesulfame K.
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
UPF

concentrated beetroot juice

Beetroot juice concentrated from beetroot, used to impart color and flavor and increase sweetness; a processed fruit/vegetable juice product.
UPF

riboflavin-5'-phosphate colour with phenylalanine

Riboflavin-5'-phosphate is a vitamin B2 derivative used as a coloring agent; the product contains a source of phenylalanine.

Common questions about High Strength Vitamin C

Is High Strength Vitamin C ultra-processed?

Yes — High Strength Vitamin C by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains industrial additives such as citric acid, sorbitol, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K), flavouring, and a colour additive, which are characteristic of ultra-processed foods according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in High Strength Vitamin C are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 6 ingredients in High Strength Vitamin C as ultra-processed markers: citric acid, sorbitol (bulking agent), artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame k), flavouring, concentrated beetroot juice, riboflavin-5'-phosphate colour with phenylalanine. 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.