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Mild Salsa by Tesco
Tesco

Mild Salsa

Barcode 5051008205732
Scanned  28  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Mild Salsa is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed additive used as a thickener and stabilizer. According to the NOVA criteria and the given rules, the presence of modified maize starch is sufficient to make the whole product UPF, even though the other ingredients (tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, spices, vinegar, salt) are minimally processed or culinary ingredients.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker
  • OK
    tomato (56%)
  • OK
    tomato purée
    A tomato-based concentrate obtained by cooking down tomatoes, commonly used as a base or seasoning in dishes.
  • OK
    onion (10%)
  • OK
    green pepper (7%)
  • UPF
    modified maize starch
    A processed starch, often used as a thickener or binding agent in foods; may be treated to modify properties.
  • OK
    spirit vinegar
    A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • OK
    coriander leaf
    Coriander leaves (cilantro) from the Coriandrum sativum plant, used fresh or dried for aroma and garnish.
  • OK
    garlic purée
    Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
  • OK
    jalapeño chilli
  • OK
    chilli powder
    Ground dried chili peppers used as a spice to add heat and flavor in dishes. It is a basic single-ingredient spice.
  • OK
    cumin
    A warm, earthy spice from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, common in spice blends.
  • OK
    black pepper
    A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Swap it for something less processed

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

Common questions about Mild Salsa

Is Mild Salsa ultra-processed?

Yes — Mild Salsa by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed additive used as a thickener and stabilizer. According to the NOVA criteria and the given rules, the presence of modified maize starch is sufficient to make the whole product UPF, even though the other ingredients (tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, spices, vinegar, salt) are minimally processed or culinary ingredients.

Which ingredients in Mild Salsa are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Mild Salsa as an ultra-processed marker: modified maize starch. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Mild Salsa?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Sauce salsa mild by Biona Organic, Thick & chunky salsa mild by Old El Paso, Chipotle Salsa by Gran Luchito. 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.

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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.

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