Tesco

Tesco BBQ sauce

Barcode 5057753912604

Scanned 28 times by Nomi users

Yes — Tesco BBQ sauce is ultra-processed.

Classified as UPF because the ingredient list contains several ultra-processed additives and industrial ingredients, including: smoked dextrose (refined industrial sugar used for flavour/smoke effect), caramelised sugar syrup (industrial sugar syrup), thickeners (xanthan gum, guar gum – industrial stabilizers/thickeners), smoke flavouring and unspecified flavouring (industrial flavour additives). Any presence of these moves the product into the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

tomato purée

A tomato-based concentrate obtained by cooking down tomatoes, commonly used as a base or seasoning in dishes.
OK

sugar

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

spirit vinegar

A clear, distilled vinegar typically made from fermented alcohol (ethanol) and used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
OK

water

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

mo ch
UPF

caramelised sugar syrup

A syrup derived from sugar heated to create caramelization; a processed sugars product commonly used as a sweetener or flavoring.
OK

smoked dextrose
OK

s thickeners (xanthan gum, guar gum)
OK

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
OK

wder
UPF

smoke flavouring

A flavoring agent used to impart smoky aroma or taste in foods. Often an extract or additive designed to mimic smoky flavors.
UPF

flavouring

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

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

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

BBQ Sauce with Smoked Paprika

Bays Kitchen

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 BBQ sauce

Is Tesco BBQ sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Tesco BBQ sauce by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as UPF because the ingredient list contains several ultra-processed additives and industrial ingredients, including: smoked dextrose (refined industrial sugar used for flavour/smoke effect), caramelised sugar syrup (industrial sugar syrup), thickeners (xanthan gum, guar gum – industrial stabilizers/thickeners), smoke flavouring and unspecified flavouring (industrial flavour additives). Any presence of these moves the product into the ultra-processed (NOVA 4) category.

Which ingredients in Tesco BBQ sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Tesco BBQ sauce as ultra-processed markers: caramelised sugar syrup, smoke flavouring, flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Tesco BBQ sauce?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including original BBQ sauce by Sauce Shop, BBQ Sauce with Smoked Paprika by Bays Kitchen. 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.