Tuna Mayo Sandwich

Barcode 273292000045

Yes — Tuna Mayo Sandwich is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains multiple industrial additives and ingredients characteristic of NOVA UPF, including: palm oil (highly refined oil), emulsifiers (mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), modified maize starch, stabiliser (xanthan gum), preservative (calcium propionate, potassium sorbate), acidity regulator (acetic acid), lactic acid, and added colour (mixed carotenoids). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and indicate an industrial formulation.

Ingredients

6 ultra-processed markers

OK

brakes essentials thick square sliced wholemeal loaves (40.4%) (80g) wholemeal wheat flour
OK

water

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

salt

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

wheat flour

A basic cereal flour made from ground wheat grains, often enriched with vitamins and minerals.
OK

yeast

A living microorganism used as a leavening agent in baking.
UPF

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

emulsifiers (mono- and diacetyl tartic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids)
UPF

calcium propionate

A food preservative added to baked goods to inhibit mold and bacterial growth.
OK

soy flour

A basic single-ingredient flour made from soybeans, used as a gluten-free flour option with high protein content.
OK

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
OK

ascorbic acid (flour treatment agent)

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) used as a dough conditioner to strengthen gluten structure in flour.
OK

brakes tuna chunks in brine (34.34%) (68g) tuna (fish)
OK

sysco classic light mayonnaise (15.15%) (30g) water
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

egg yolk powder (1.5%)
UPF

stabiliser (xanthan gum)

Xanthan gum, a thickening agent used as a stabiliser.
UPF

acidity regulator (acetic acid)

Acetic acid used as an acidity regulator and food additive.
OK

lactic acid

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

potassium sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a widely used food preservative that inhibits the growth of molds, yeast, and some bacteria to extend shelf life.
OK

colour (mixed caroteniods)
OK

cucumber (10.1%) (20g)
OK

cucumber

A fresh, crunchy green vegetable commonly eaten raw in salads and as a snack.

Swap it for something less processed

See all Ready Meals →

Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Tuna Mayo Sandwich

Is Tuna Mayo Sandwich ultra-processed?

Yes — Tuna Mayo Sandwich is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains multiple industrial additives and ingredients characteristic of NOVA UPF, including: palm oil (highly refined oil), emulsifiers (mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), modified maize starch, stabiliser (xanthan gum), preservative (calcium propionate, potassium sorbate), acidity regulator (acetic acid), lactic acid, and added colour (mixed carotenoids). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and indicate an industrial formulation.

Which ingredients in Tuna Mayo Sandwich are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 6 ingredients in Tuna Mayo Sandwich as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, calcium propionate, modified maize starch, stabiliser (xanthan gum), acidity regulator (acetic acid), potassium sorbate. 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.