Lidl

Brown Sauce

Barcode 4056489439301

Scanned 41 times by Nomi users

Yes — Brown Sauce is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients and additives, specifically glucose-fructose syrup and modified maize starch, which are hallmark UPF ingredients under the NOVA system. Other ingredients are mostly minimally processed or culinary, but the presence of these additives is sufficient to classify the whole product as UPF.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

barley malt vinegar

A vinegar produced by fermenting barley malt with acetic acid bacteria to create a tangy, acidic liquid used in pickling, condiments, and dressings.
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

cane molasses

A dark, viscous syrup produced from sugar cane during the sugar-making process; used as a sweetener and flavoring 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

spirit vinegar

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

date paste (dates, water, acidity requlator: acetic acid)
OK

concentrated tomato purée

A thick tomato paste product used to provide tomato flavor and color; a common ingredient in sauces.
OK

tamarind concentrate

A concentrated paste derived from tamarind fruit, used as a souring agent and flavor enhancer in sauces, curries, and chutneys.
OK

salt

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

ground ginger

Powdered ginger root used as a spice and flavoring.
OK

allspice

A dried berry spice with warm, clove-like flavor often used in spice blends, marinades, and baked goods.
OK

black pepper

A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

ground cloves

Ground cloves are the finely milled powder of the dried flower buds of the clove tree. They are a common spice used in both sweet and savory dishes, offering warm, aromatic, and slightly bitter notes.
OK

dried garlic

Dehydrated garlic cloves ground or whole, used as a pungent seasoning with long shelf life.
OK

dried chilli
OK

ground nutmeg

Ground form of nutmeg, a warm aromatic spice often used in baking and cooking.
OK

allergy advice: for allergens
OK

including cereals containing gluten
OK

see ingredients in bold

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

See all Sauces, Condiments & Spreads →

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

Common questions about Brown Sauce

Is Brown Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Brown Sauce by Lidl is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients and additives, specifically glucose-fructose syrup and modified maize starch, which are hallmark UPF ingredients under the NOVA system. Other ingredients are mostly minimally processed or culinary, but the presence of these additives is sufficient to classify the whole product as UPF.

Which ingredients in Brown Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Brown Sauce as ultra-processed markers: glucose-fructose syrup, modified maize starch. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Brown 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.