Tesco

Lentil & Vegetable Bolognese

Barcode 5059697761799

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — Lentil & Vegetable Bolognese is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as UPF because it contains ultra-processed ingredients, specifically modified maize starch and yeast extract, which are industrial additives used as thickeners and flavour enhancers. Other ingredients are mostly whole foods or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of these UPF additives makes the overall product ultra-processed according to NOVA.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

red lentils (28%)
OK

tomato

A common fleshy fruit/vegetable used as a fresh or cooked ingredient; high in water and various nutrients.
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

red pepper (10%)
OK

carrot

A root vegetable with a sweet, crisp texture. Commonly used in cooking fresh, steamed, or roasted.
OK

tomato purée

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

tomato juice

Liquid extracted from tomatoes, used as a beverage or base for sauces.
OK

mushroom (4%)
UPF

modified maize starch

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

maize starch

Fine white powder obtained from corn; used as a thickener in sauces and soups.
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
OK

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

basil

A leafy herb used fresh or dried to flavor dishes; not typically processed as a food ingredient beyond drying or freshness.
OK

red wine

Fermented grape beverage, commonly enjoyed as a drink or used in cooking for its fruity, acidic character.
UPF

yeast extract

A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
UPF

mushroom extract

A flavoring extract derived from mushrooms used to impart umami or mushroom notes in foods.
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.
OK

oregano

A dried aromatic herb used as a spice in cooking, with a warm, slightly bitter flavor.
OK

water

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

colour (paprika extract)

Natural color additive derived from paprika used to impart a red-orange hue in foods.
OK

black pepper

A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.
OK

leek concentrate
OK

white pepper. suitable for vegans

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Common questions about Lentil & Vegetable Bolognese

Is Lentil & Vegetable Bolognese ultra-processed?

Yes — Lentil & Vegetable Bolognese by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as UPF because it contains ultra-processed ingredients, specifically modified maize starch and yeast extract, which are industrial additives used as thickeners and flavour enhancers. Other ingredients are mostly whole foods or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of these UPF additives makes the overall product ultra-processed according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in Lentil & Vegetable Bolognese are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Lentil & Vegetable Bolognese as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, yeast extract, mushroom extract, colour (paprika extract). 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.