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.
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.
Tomato Ketchup
Heinz
Not UPF
Sojasauce
Kikkoman
Not UPF
Nutritional Yeast Flakes
Engevita
Not UPF
Tomato Ketchup BIO
Heinz
Not UPF
Salsa de Soja
Kikkoman
Not UPF
Salsa di Soia
Kikkoman
Not UPF
Geeta's Mango Chutney imp
Geeta’s Foods Ltd
Not UPF
Spreadable
Yeo Valley Organic
Not UPF
Tesco Houmous
Tesco
Not UPF
Organic Houmous
Sainsbury's,So Organic
Not UPF
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.