Yes — Bbq Sauce is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains additives and industrial ingredients such as xanthan gum (a thickener), smoke flavouring, and natural flavouring, which fall under NOVA ultra-processed formulations.
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.
Spreadable
Yeo Valley Organic
Not UPF
Tesco Houmous
Tesco
Not UPF
Organic Houmous
Sainsbury's,So Organic
Not UPF
Aceto Balsamico Di Modena
Acentino
Not UPF
Passata di Pomodoro
Mutti
Not UPF
Classic Houmous
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Sauce soja
Kikkoman,Kikkoman - Kikkoman K.K.
Not UPF
Kikkoman Soyasaus glutenfrei
KIKKOMAN
Not UPF
Duchy Organic Mayonnaise
Waitrose & Partners
Not UPF
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Tesco
Not UPF
Yes — Bbq Sauce by Heinz is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains additives and industrial ingredients such as xanthan gum (a thickener), smoke flavouring, and natural flavouring, which fall under NOVA ultra-processed formulations.
Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Bbq Sauce as ultra-processed markers: xanthan gum, smoke flavouring, natural flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including original BBQ sauce by Sauce Shop, BBQ Sauce with Smoked Paprika by Bays Kitchen, Unsweetened Barbecue Smokey Classic by Hunter & Gather. 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.
This page was shared from Nomi, the free app that tells you instantly whether any food is ultra-processed.
Free download · No subscription needed to start scanning


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.