Tesco

Tesco sweet chilli sauce

Barcode 5054269746952

Scanned 33 times by Nomi users

Yes — Tesco sweet chilli sauce is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including modified maize starch (a pre-identified UPF ingredient), maltodextrin (an industrially processed refined carbohydrate), flavouring (industrial flavouring agents), and potassium sorbate (a preservative). These additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients and are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

sugar

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

modified maize starch

A processed starch, often used as a thickener or binding agent in foods; may be treated to modify properties.
OK

red chilli (2%)
OK

garlic

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

acidity regulator (acetic acid)
OK

onion puree

Pureed onion, a basic processed vegetable ingredient.
OK

salt

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

garlic puree

A simple mashed garlic cloves, sometimes with a small amount of oil or salt; used as a flavoring or base ingredient.
OK

dried red pepper
OK

potassium chloride

Mineral salt used as a salt substitute in food. A basic inorganic ingredient commonly used for seasoning or fortification; not ultra-processed.
OK

preservative (potassium sorbate)
OK

dried chillies
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
OK

maltodextrin. suitable for vegans

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Sweet Chilli Sauce

M&S Food, Marks & Spencer

View product →

Not Ultra-Processed

Lingham's Chili Sauce

LINGHAM'S

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 Tesco sweet chilli sauce

Is Tesco sweet chilli sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Tesco sweet chilli sauce by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives, including modified maize starch (a pre-identified UPF ingredient), maltodextrin (an industrially processed refined carbohydrate), flavouring (industrial flavouring agents), and potassium sorbate (a preservative). These additives go beyond basic culinary ingredients and are characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in Tesco sweet chilli sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Tesco sweet chilli sauce as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Tesco sweet chilli sauce?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Sweet Chilli Sauce by M&S Food, Marks & Spencer, Lingham's Chili Sauce by LINGHAM'S. 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.