Yes — Plant based mayo is ultra-processed.
This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) under the NOVA system because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives. Specifically, it includes modified starch, thickener (xanthan gum), antioxidant (calcium disodium EDTA), paprika extract, and natural flavourings. Modified starch, calcium disodium EDTA, paprika extract, and industrial flavourings are pre-identified and typical UPF markers as they are industrial formulations not used in home cooking, functioning as stabilizers, preservatives, color/flavor enhancers, and texturizers. Xanthan gum is also an industrial stabilizer/thickener used to modify texture. These additives go beyond basic culinary processing, so the presence of these ingredients classifies the product as UPF.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Real Ketchup 485 g
Stokes
Not UPF
double concentré de tomates bio
Mutti
Not UPF
Passata
Cirio
Not UPF
Fiery Goan Curry
The Spice Tailor
Not UPF
Sun dried dried tomato pesto
Filippo Berio
Not UPF
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Houmous
Waitrose
Not UPF
Smooth Peanut Butter
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Crunchy Peanut Butter
The Foodie Market
Not UPF
Tomato Ketchup
Heinz
Not UPF
Tomato Ketchup
Heinz
Not UPF
Yes — Plant based mayo by Hellmann's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) under the NOVA system because it contains several industrial ingredients and additives. Specifically, it includes modified starch, thickener (xanthan gum), antioxidant (calcium disodium EDTA), paprika extract, and natural flavourings. Modified starch, calcium disodium EDTA, paprika extract, and industrial flavourings are pre-identified and typical UPF markers as they are industrial formulations not used in home cooking, functioning as stabilizers, preservatives, color/flavor enhancers, and texturizers. Xanthan gum is also an industrial stabilizer/thickener used to modify texture. These additives go beyond basic culinary processing, so the presence of these ingredients classifies the product as UPF.
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.