Lidl

Classic barbecue sauce

Barcode 4056489296324

Scanned 34 times by Nomi users

Yes — Classic barbecue sauce is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including glucose-fructose syrup, modified maize starch, colour (plain caramel), smoke flavouring, and acidity regulator (citric acid). These are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods. The presence of these additives is sufficient to classify the product as UPF, even though it also contains basic ingredients like water, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and spices.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

tomato paste 15%
UPF

glucose-fructose syrup

A commercially produced sweet syrup made by hydrolyzing and blending glucose and fructose sugars; widely used as a sweetener in foods and beverages.
OK

sugar

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

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
OK

molasses

A thick, dark syrup produced during sugar refining, rich in flavor and used in baking and cooking.
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.
UPF

plain caramel color

A food coloring produced by heating carbohydrates (often corn or sugar) with acids or alkalis to form a caramel color. Common in beverages and snacks.
OK

onion powder

Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
UPF

smoke flavouring

A flavoring agent used to impart smoky aroma or taste in foods. Often an extract or additive designed to mimic smoky flavors.
OK

ground allspice

Ground allspice is a spice made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree, finely milled into a powder used to add warm, sweet, and peppery notes to dishes.
OK

chilli powder

Ground dried chili peppers used as a spice to add heat and flavor in dishes. It is a basic single-ingredient spice.
OK

ground black pepper

A fine powder made by grinding peppercorns (Piper nigrum); a common, pungent spice used to season savory dishes.
OK

citric acid

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

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Spicy Breakfast Sauce

Sauce Shop

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

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

Common questions about Classic barbecue sauce

Is Classic barbecue sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Classic barbecue sauce by Lidl is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including glucose-fructose syrup, modified maize starch, colour (plain caramel), smoke flavouring, and acidity regulator (citric acid). These are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods. The presence of these additives is sufficient to classify the product as UPF, even though it also contains basic ingredients like water, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and spices.

Which ingredients in Classic barbecue sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Classic barbecue sauce as ultra-processed markers: glucose-fructose syrup, modified maize starch, plain caramel color, smoke flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Classic barbecue sauce?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Spicy Breakfast Sauce by Sauce Shop. 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.