Tesco

Light Soy Sauce

Barcode 5057008763128

Scanned 40 times by Nomi users

Yes — Light Soy Sauce is ultra-processed.

Not a great choice for everyday use.

This product is ultra-processed because it contains the pre-identified UPF ingredients plain caramel colour, yeast extract powder, and lactic acid as an acidity regulator. These are industrially extracted or formulated additives; yeast extract powder functions as a flavour enhancer, while caramel colour and lactic acid are processing additives. Potassium sorbate is also an industrial preservative. The water, soybeans, wheat flour, salt, and sugar are not the factors driving the classification.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

soya extract (14%) (water, soya bean, wheat flour)
OK

salt

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

sugar

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

plain caramel color

A food coloring produced by heating carbohydrates (often corn or sugar) with acids or alkalis to form a caramel color. Common in beverages and snacks.
UPF

yeast extract powder

Powdered extract derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, rich in amino acids and umami; used as a flavor enhancer.
UPF

lactic acid

A naturally occurring organic acid used as a acidity regulator and preservative in foods; often added as E270 to adjust pH and inhibit microbial growth.
OK

preservative (potassium sorbate). allergy advice for allergens
OK

including cereals containing gluten
OK

see ingredients in bold. also may contain nuts
OK

sesame seeds and peanuts. suitable for vegetarians

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

Not Ultra-Processed

Soy sauce

Kikkoman, Kikkoman Sales Usa Inc.

View product →

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 Light Soy Sauce

Is Light Soy Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Light Soy Sauce by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is ultra-processed because it contains the pre-identified UPF ingredients plain caramel colour, yeast extract powder, and lactic acid as an acidity regulator. These are industrially extracted or formulated additives; yeast extract powder functions as a flavour enhancer, while caramel colour and lactic acid are processing additives. Potassium sorbate is also an industrial preservative. The water, soybeans, wheat flour, salt, and sugar are not the factors driving the classification.

Which ingredients in Light Soy Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Light Soy Sauce as ultra-processed markers: plain caramel color, yeast extract powder, lactic acid. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Light Soy Sauce?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Soy sauce by Kikkoman, Kikkoman Sales Usa Inc.. 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.