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Yes — Bolognese pasta sauce is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed ingredient used as a thickener and has been pre-identified as a UPF ingredient. Other ingredients like citric acid are basic additives and do not by themselves make the product UPF, but the presence of modified maize starch is sufficient to classify the product as UPF.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Tailor Original Tikka Masala
The Spice Tailor
Not UPF
Organic Houmous ~ With added extra virgin olive oil
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Organic Tamari Soy Sauce
Yutaka
Not UPF
Tomato Ketchup
Sainsbury's, By Sainsbury's
Not UPF
PREMIUM SOY SAUCE
LEE KUM KEE
Not UPF
Apricot Jam
Bonne Maman
Not UPF
Buttersoft
By sainsbury's
Not UPF
Frank's Red Hot Original
Frank’s, French's
Not UPF
Red pepper houmous
Tesco
Not UPF
Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Houmous
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Yes — Bolognese pasta sauce by Lidl is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed ingredient used as a thickener and has been pre-identified as a UPF ingredient. Other ingredients like citric acid are basic additives and do not by themselves make the product UPF, but the presence of modified maize starch is sufficient to classify the product as UPF.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Bolognese pasta sauce as an ultra-processed marker: modified maize starch. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Bolognese sauce by Mr Organic, Bolognese Original by Loyd Grossman, Bolognese Pasta Sauce by M&S, Marks & Spencer. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.
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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.