Yes — Oyster Sauce is ultra-processed.
Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes multiple industrial additives and formulations: modified tapioca starch (industrial thickener), yeast extract (flavor enhancer), color plain caramel (industrial colorant), acidity regulator lactic acid, and preservative E202 (potassium sorbate). Presence of these additives places it in the NOVA ultra-processed category.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
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
PREMIUM SOY SAUCE
LEE KUM KEE
Not UPF
Apricot Jam
Bonne Maman
Not UPF
Buttersoft
By sainsbury's
Not UPF
Frank's Red Hot Original
Frank’s, French's
Not UPF
Red pepper houmous
Tesco
Not UPF
Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Houmous
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Yes — Oyster Sauce by M&S is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes multiple industrial additives and formulations: modified tapioca starch (industrial thickener), yeast extract (flavor enhancer), color plain caramel (industrial colorant), acidity regulator lactic acid, and preservative E202 (potassium sorbate). Presence of these additives places it in the NOVA ultra-processed category.
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.