Specially Selected

Tomato and pancetta pasta sauce

Barcode 4088600054452

Scanned 15 times by Nomi users

Yes — Tomato and pancetta pasta sauce is ultra-processed.

Classified as UPF because it contains industrial additives and processed ingredients: antioxidant (sodium ascorbate), preservatives (potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite), garlic purée, and an acidity regulator (lactic acid). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and indicate ultra-processing under NOVA.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

tomato (63%)
OK

tomato purée

A tomato-based concentrate obtained by cooking down tomatoes, commonly used as a base or seasoning in dishes.
OK

pancetta (11%) (pork belly (97%), salt, white wine, sugar, garlic powder, antioxidant: sodium ascorbate, preservatives: potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite)
OK

olive oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from olives, used for cooking, dressing, and flavor.
OK

onion

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

sugar

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

pecorino romano cheese (1,5%) (milk)
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
OK

basil

Herb used for flavoring; the 0.5% notation suggests a small amount in a formulation.
OK

lactic acid

A common food additive used to regulate acidity in beverages and processed foods.
OK

salt

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

no artificial colours or flavourings
OK

caution: contains alcohol

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Common questions about Tomato and pancetta pasta sauce

Is Tomato and pancetta pasta sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Tomato and pancetta pasta sauce by Specially Selected is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as UPF because it contains industrial additives and processed ingredients: antioxidant (sodium ascorbate), preservatives (potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite), garlic purée, and an acidity regulator (lactic acid). These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and indicate ultra-processing under NOVA.

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.