Yes — LIGHT MAYONNAISE is ultra-processed.
The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives characteristic of NOVA Group 4, including modified starch, antioxidant (calcium disodium EDTA), paprika extract, thickeners (guar gum, xanthan gum), citrus fibre, and natural mustard flavouring. These are extracted, modified, or synthesized additives used for texture, stability, preservation, and flavor, going beyond basic culinary ingredients.
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.
Tomato Ketchup
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Not UPF
PREMIUM SOY SAUCE
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Not UPF
Apricot Jam
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Not UPF
Buttersoft
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Not UPF
Frank's Red Hot Original
Frank’s, French's
Not UPF
Red pepper houmous
Tesco
Not UPF
Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Houmous
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Not UPF
Houmous
Waitrose Duchy Organic
Not UPF
Whole Grain Mustard
Bramwells
Not UPF
Lemon curd
Bonne Maman
Not UPF
Yes — LIGHT MAYONNAISE by HELLMANN'S is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives characteristic of NOVA Group 4, including modified starch, antioxidant (calcium disodium EDTA), paprika extract, thickeners (guar gum, xanthan gum), citrus fibre, and natural mustard flavouring. These are extracted, modified, or synthesized additives used for texture, stability, preservation, and flavor, going beyond basic culinary ingredients.
Nomi flags 5 ingredients in LIGHT MAYONNAISE as ultra-processed markers: modified starch, natural mustard flavouring, guar gum and xanthan gum thickeners, calcium disodium edta, paprika extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including SO organic Mayonnaise by Sainsbury's, Real Mayonnaise by Stokes, Duchy Organic Mayonnaise by Waitrose & Partners. 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.