Waitrose

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Barcode 5000169624463

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — Sweet Chilli Sauce is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified tapioca starch, which is an industrially modified starch used as a thickener/stabilizer and falls under NOVA ultra-processed ingredients. Other ingredients like sugar, vinegar, chilli, garlic, salt, sunflower oil, and paprika extract are not UPF by themselves, but the presence of modified tapioca starch is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

sugar

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

water

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

spirit vinegar

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

chilli (6%)
OK

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
OK

salt

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

modified tapioca starch

A starch derivative used as a thickener and texturizer; a processed ingredient.
OK

sunflower oil

A neutral-tasting culinary oil pressed from sunflower seeds, rich in unsaturated fats and commonly used for frying and dressings.
OK

colour (paprika extract) allergy advice: may contain sesame

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Common questions about Sweet Chilli Sauce

Is Sweet Chilli Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Sweet Chilli Sauce by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified tapioca starch, which is an industrially modified starch used as a thickener/stabilizer and falls under NOVA ultra-processed ingredients. Other ingredients like sugar, vinegar, chilli, garlic, salt, sunflower oil, and paprika extract are not UPF by themselves, but the presence of modified tapioca starch is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.

Which ingredients in Sweet Chilli Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Sweet Chilli Sauce as an ultra-processed marker: modified tapioca starch. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

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.