Ben's Original

Sweet & Sour

Barcode 4002359014819

Scanned 38 times by Nomi users

Yes — Sweet & Sour is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed additive used as a thickener/stabilizer. According to the NOVA framework and the given rules, the presence of such an additive is sufficient to classify the entire product as UPF, even though most other ingredients (water, tomatoes, sugar, vegetables, vinegar, pineapple, salt, spices, paprika extract) are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

ingredients water
OK

tomatoes (13%)
OK

sugar

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

onion (9,9%)
OK

carrot (8,4%)
OK

vinegar

A sour-tasting liquid produced by fermentation, widely used as a condiment and preservative.
OK

pineapple (3,5%)
OK

green pepper (3,3%)
UPF

modified maize starch

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

red pepper (1,9%)
OK

salt

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

colour (paprika extract)

Natural color additive derived from paprika used to impart a red-orange hue in foods.
OK

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Not Ultra-Processed

Sweet & Sour Stir fry Sauce

M&S

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Sauces, Condiments & Spreads →

Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Sweet & Sour

Is Sweet & Sour ultra-processed?

Yes — Sweet & Sour by Ben's Original is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed additive used as a thickener/stabilizer. According to the NOVA framework and the given rules, the presence of such an additive is sufficient to classify the entire product as UPF, even though most other ingredients (water, tomatoes, sugar, vegetables, vinegar, pineapple, salt, spices, paprika extract) are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients.

Which ingredients in Sweet & Sour are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Sweet & Sour as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, colour (paprika extract). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Sweet & Sour?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Sweet & Sour Stir fry Sauce by M&S. 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.