Lidl

Tomato soup

Barcode 20018443

Scanned 43 times by Nomi users

Yes — Tomato soup is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified maize starch and natural flavourings, which are industrial additives used as thickeners/stabilizers and flavouring agents. According to NOVA, the presence of such industrial formulations and additives makes the food ultra-processed, even though many other ingredients (tomatoes, water, rapeseed oil, sugar, salt, milk/cream, paprika, rice flour, citric acid) are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes, edible fruit often used as a vegetable in salads, sauces, and cooking.
OK

water

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

rapeseed oil

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

sugar

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

modified maize starch

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

salt

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

Skimmed Milk Powder

Skimmed milk powder is made by removing water from pasteurized skim milk.
OK

citric acid

A weak organic acid found in citrus fruits, commonly used as an acidulant and preservative in foods and beverages.
OK

double cream

A high-fat dairy cream skimmed from cow’s milk, commonly used for whipping and adding richness to dishes.
OK

paprika

A ground spice made from dried red peppers (Capsicum species), used for color and flavor in many cuisines.
OK

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
UPF

natural flavourings

Flavorings derived from natural sources used to impart taste or aroma; typically a mix of essential oils, compounds, or extracts.

Healthier alternatives

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Common questions about Tomato soup

Is Tomato soup ultra-processed?

Yes — Tomato soup by Lidl is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified maize starch and natural flavourings, which are industrial additives used as thickeners/stabilizers and flavouring agents. According to NOVA, the presence of such industrial formulations and additives makes the food ultra-processed, even though many other ingredients (tomatoes, water, rapeseed oil, sugar, salt, milk/cream, paprika, rice flour, citric acid) are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients.

Which ingredients in Tomato soup are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Tomato soup as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, natural flavourings. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Tomato soup?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Cream of tomato soup by M&S, Cream of Tomato Soup by Yeo Valley. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

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.