Tomato Pasta Sauce

Barcode 4002359020179

Yes — Tomato Pasta Sauce is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. This is an ultra-processed food because it contains several UPF ingredients/additives: modified maize starch (a chemically modified starch used as a thickener), acidity regulator (citric acid), and natural flavouring. According to the rules, any presence of such industrial additives and flavorings classifies the product as UPF, even though many other ingredients (tomatoes, onion, herbs, sunflower oil, sugar, salt) are minimally processed.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

tomatoes (83%)
OK

double concentrated tomato paste (7.0%)
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

sugar

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

salt

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

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
OK

basil

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

Common questions about Tomato Pasta Sauce

Is Tomato Pasta Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Tomato Pasta Sauce is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This is an ultra-processed food because it contains several UPF ingredients/additives: modified maize starch (a chemically modified starch used as a thickener), acidity regulator (citric acid), and natural flavouring. According to the rules, any presence of such industrial additives and flavorings classifies the product as UPF, even though many other ingredients (tomatoes, onion, herbs, sunflower oil, sugar, salt) are minimally processed.

Which ingredients in Tomato Pasta Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Tomato Pasta 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.