Heinz

Classic barbecue

Barcode 50457878

Scanned 100 times by Nomi users

Yes — Classic barbecue is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including modified cornflour, xanthan gum (a thickener), smoke flavouring, and natural flavouring. These are characteristic UPF ingredients according to the NOVA classification.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

tomato puree

A cooked, strained tomato product used as a base in sauces and 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

molasses

A thick, dark syrup produced during sugar refining, rich in flavor and used in baking and cooking.
OK

water

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

modified starch (corn)

Chemically or enzymatically modified starch used as a thickener and texture enhancer in processed foods.
OK

salt

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

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.
OK

garlic

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

xanthan gum

A fermented polysaccharide thickener used as a food additive to improve texture.
UPF

smoke flavouring

A flavoring agent used to impart smoky aroma or taste in foods. Often an extract or additive designed to mimic smoky flavors.
UPF

natural flavouring

A generic flavoring ingredient derived from natural sources used to impart aroma or taste; may include essential oils or extracts.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

BBQ Sauce with Smoked Paprika

Bays Kitchen

View product →

Not Ultra-Processed

Unsweetened Barbecue Smokey Classic

Hunter & Gather

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Sauces, Condiments & Spreads →

Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Classic barbecue

Is Classic barbecue ultra-processed?

Yes — Classic barbecue by Heinz is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including modified cornflour, xanthan gum (a thickener), smoke flavouring, and natural flavouring. These are characteristic UPF ingredients according to the NOVA classification.

Which ingredients in Classic barbecue are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Classic barbecue as ultra-processed markers: modified starch (corn), xanthan gum, smoke flavouring, natural flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Classic barbecue?

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.

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.

Classic barbecue

Ingredients

Healthier alternatives

Swap it for something less processed

Common questions about Classic barbecue

Is Classic barbecue ultra-processed?

Which ingredients in Classic barbecue are ultra-processed?

What are healthier alternatives to Classic barbecue?

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan it yourself,right in the aisle

Scan it yourself,
right in the aisle