Dolmio

Bolognese sauce

Barcode 4002359019777

Scanned 7 times by Nomi users

Yes — Bolognese sauce is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several UPF ingredients/additives according to NOVA: modified maize starch (a chemically/physically modified starch used as a thickener), acidity regulator (citric acid), and natural flavouring. The rest of the ingredients (tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, salt, basil, sugar, garlic, parsley, spices, herbs) are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of these industrial additives makes the overall product UPF.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

tomatoes

Fresh or canned tomatoes, representing 85% of the ingredient by weight. A basic fruit/vegetable ingredient used as a base in dishes.
OK

double concentrated tomato paste

A concentrated tomato product made by reducing tomato puree to a thicker paste; a common culinary ingredient derived from tomatoes.
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
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

basil

A leafy herb used fresh or dried to flavor dishes; not typically processed as a food ingredient beyond drying or freshness.
OK

sugar

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

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
OK

citric acid

A natural organic acid used to balance acidity and preserve foods; a common food additive.
OK

parsley

A fresh green herb used to flavor and garnish dishes; commonly added chopped leaves.
OK

spice

Diverse plant-derived flavoring agents used to season foods; typically used in small amounts.
UPF

natural flavouring

A generic flavoring ingredient derived from natural sources used to impart aroma or taste; may include essential oils or extracts.
OK

herb

A general culinary plant used to flavor dishes; lacks specificity of species.

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Common questions about Bolognese sauce

Is Bolognese sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Bolognese sauce by Dolmio is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several UPF ingredients/additives according to NOVA: modified maize starch (a chemically/physically modified starch used as a thickener), acidity regulator (citric acid), and natural flavouring. The rest of the ingredients (tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, salt, basil, sugar, garlic, parsley, spices, herbs) are minimally processed or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of these industrial additives makes the overall product UPF.

Which ingredients in Bolognese sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Bolognese sauce as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, natural flavouring. 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.