Yes — Tomato Ketchup is ultra-processed.
The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and processed ingredients, specifically modified maize starch and flavouring, which are explicitly considered UPF according to NOVA-style criteria. These ingredients indicate industrial formulation beyond basic culinary processing.
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.
Salsa de Soja
Kikkoman
Not UPF
Salsa di Soia
Kikkoman
Not UPF
Geeta's Mango Chutney imp
Geeta’s Foods Ltd
Not UPF
Spreadable
Yeo Valley Organic
Not UPF
Tesco Houmous
Tesco
Not UPF
Organic Houmous
Sainsbury's,So Organic
Not UPF
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
Yes — Tomato Ketchup by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains industrial additives and processed ingredients, specifically modified maize starch and flavouring, which are explicitly considered UPF according to NOVA-style criteria. These ingredients indicate industrial formulation beyond basic culinary processing.
Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Tomato Ketchup as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Tomato Ketchup by Heinz, Tomato Ketchup by Sainsbury's, By Sainsbury's, SO Organic Tomato Ketchup by Sainsbury's. 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.