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Yes — Tomato & Mascarpone Pasta Sauce is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes additives and industrially processed components. Specifically, it contains an acidity regulator (citric acid), which has been pre-identified as a UPF ingredient, and xanthan gum, a thickener/stabilizer produced through industrial processing. These additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients and indicate an ultra-processed formulation according to NOVA-style criteria.
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.
Aceto Balsamico Di Modena
Acentino
Not UPF
Passata di Pomodoro
Mutti
Not UPF
Classic Houmous
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Sauce soja
Kikkoman,Kikkoman - Kikkoman K.K.
Not UPF
Kikkoman Soyasaus glutenfrei
KIKKOMAN
Not UPF
Duchy Organic Mayonnaise
Waitrose & Partners
Not UPF
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Tesco
Not UPF
Chef Ketchup
Heinz
Not UPF
Spreadable Lighter
Nordpak
Not UPF
Avocado & Lemon Mayo
The Foraging Fox
Not UPF
Yes — Tomato & Mascarpone Pasta Sauce by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes additives and industrially processed components. Specifically, it contains an acidity regulator (citric acid), which has been pre-identified as a UPF ingredient, and xanthan gum, a thickener/stabilizer produced through industrial processing. These additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients and indicate an ultra-processed formulation according to NOVA-style criteria.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Tomato & Mascarpone Pasta Sauce as an ultra-processed marker: xanthan gum. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Tomato, grana padano & mascarpone by Heinz, Sundried Cherry Tomato & Basil by Heinz, Classic tomato everything sauce by Marks & Spencer. 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.