Essential Waitrose

Mackerel fillets in spicy tomato sauce

Barcode 5000169229675

No — Mackerel fillets in spicy tomato sauce is not ultra-processed.

The product contains mackerel, water, tomato purée, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. These are basic culinary ingredients without industrial additives (emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers, refined syrups, or highly processed oils). Therefore, it is not classified as ultra-processed according to NOVA.

Ingredients

No ultra-processed markers

OK

mackerel (scomber scombrus) (fish) (64%)
OK

water

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

tomato purée

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

spirit vinegar

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

sugar

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

salt

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

ground star anise
OK

chill powder
OK

cumin powder

Ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum, a warm, earthy spice used in various cuisines.
OK

fennel powder

A finely ground powder made from fennel seeds, with a sweet-anise flavor used in cooking and seasoning.

More in Fish & Seafood

See all Fish & Seafood →

Other fish & seafood products Nomi has analysed ingredient by ingredient.

Common questions about Mackerel fillets in spicy tomato sauce

Is Mackerel fillets in spicy tomato sauce ultra-processed?

No — Mackerel fillets in spicy tomato sauce by Essential Waitrose is not ultra-processed, so it is not a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains mackerel, water, tomato purée, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. These are basic culinary ingredients without industrial additives (emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers, refined syrups, or highly processed oils). Therefore, it is not classified as ultra-processed according to 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.