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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.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Soy Sauce
Kikkoman
Not UPF
Classic Houmous
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Italian Tomato Passata
Tesco
Not UPF
Kikkoman Soyasaus glutenfrei
KIKKOMAN
Not UPF
Duchy Organic Mayonnaise
Waitrose & Partners
Not UPF
SMOOTH ALMOND BUTTER
pip & nut
Not UPF
Smooth Peanut Butter No Added Palm Oil
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Tesco
Not UPF
Chef Ketchup
Heinz
Not UPF
Spreadable Lighter
Nordpak
Not UPF
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.
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.
This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.
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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.