Jalapeño Hot Sauce

Barcode 5060050992576

Yes — Jalapeño Hot Sauce is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives including an acidity regulator, preservative (sodium metabisulfite), and natural garlic flavouring, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient. These extracted and synthesized additives place the product in the UPF category under NOVA, even though the base ingredients (peppers, water, vinegar, salt, citric acid) are minimally processed.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

red jalapeño peppers (45%)
OK

water

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

vinegar

A sour-tasting liquid produced by fermentation, widely used as a condiment and preservative.
OK

salt

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

acidity regulator

Additives used to control acidity (pH) and acidity in foods, such as citric acid, phosphates, sulphates. Generally considered basic food processing aid ingredients; many are allowed in foods and are not in themselves UPF.
OK

citric acid

A weak organic acid found in citrus fruits, commonly used as an acidulant and preservative in foods and beverages.
OK

preservative

A generic food additive used to extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth.
OK

sodium metabisulfite
UPF

natural garlic flavouring

A flavoring addition derived from garlic, used to impart garlic aroma/flavor; typically an extracted or synthesized additive.
OK

contains sulphur dioxide

Common questions about Jalapeño Hot Sauce

Is Jalapeño Hot Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Jalapeño Hot Sauce is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives including an acidity regulator, preservative (sodium metabisulfite), and natural garlic flavouring, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient. These extracted and synthesized additives place the product in the UPF category under NOVA, even though the base ingredients (peppers, water, vinegar, salt, citric acid) are minimally processed.

Which ingredients in Jalapeño Hot Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Jalapeño Hot Sauce as an ultra-processed marker: natural garlic 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.