Tesco

Light mayonnaise

Barcode 5057753913571

Scanned 24 times by Nomi users

Yes — Light mayonnaise is ultra-processed.

The mayonnaise contains several ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including modified maize starch, xanthan gum, guar gum, potassium sorbate (preservative), and flavouring (contains mustard). These are industrial formulations used to thicken, stabilize, preserve, and flavor the product, so it is classified as ultra-processed according to NOVA.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

rapeseed oil (24%)
UPF

modified maize starch

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

sugar

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

pasteurised egg yolk (4%)
OK

spirit vinegar

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

salt

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

citric acid

A natural organic acid used to balance acidity and preserve foods; a common food additive.
OK

lemon juice concentrate

Lemon juice that has been concentrated by removing water; used as a souring agent or flavoring in foods.
OK

stabilisers (xanthan gum)
UPF

guar gum

A natural thickening and gelling agent derived from the guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). Commonly used in dairy, sauces, and baked goods.
UPF

potassium sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a widely used food preservative that inhibits the growth of molds, yeast, and some bacteria to extend shelf life.
UPF

flavouring

Flavoring agent; may include mustard as an allergen; can be synthetic or natural.

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Common questions about Light mayonnaise

Is Light mayonnaise ultra-processed?

Yes — Light mayonnaise by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The mayonnaise contains several ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including modified maize starch, xanthan gum, guar gum, potassium sorbate (preservative), and flavouring (contains mustard). These are industrial formulations used to thicken, stabilize, preserve, and flavor the product, so it is classified as ultra-processed according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in Light mayonnaise are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Light mayonnaise as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, guar gum, potassium sorbate, flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

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.