Why is Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce classified as a processed (NOVA 3) food and what specific additives does it contain?

The sauce is considered NOVA 3 because it undergoes industrial processing such as cooking, pureeing and the addition of functional ingredients; its only listed additive is citric acid (E330), used as an acidity regulator, and a stabiliser made from rice starch.

How does the sugar and salt content in this sauce affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 4.3 g of sugars and only 0.0015 g of salt per 100 g, the sauce provides a modest carbohydrate load and virtually negligible sodium, making it suitable for most diabetic and hypertensive meal plans when used in moderation.

Is Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, and low‑carb diets?

Yes, the sauce contains no animal‑derived ingredients, no wheat or gluten‑containing grains, and only 4.5 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, so it fits well into vegan, gluten‑free and low‑carb dietary patterns.

Marks & Spencer • 340 g e

Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce is a vegan, glass‑jarred condiment made in Italy from ripe tomatoes (83%), extra‑virgin olive oil, basil and a blend of onions, carrots, rice starch and citric acid. It belongs to the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” PNNS groups, carries a Nutri‑Score of A, an Eco‑Score of A and is classified as a NOVA 3 processed food, with low levels of salt, saturated fat and added sugars. While its high vegetable content and vegan formulation are positive, it does contain a small amount of added sugar, modest total fat and a stabiliser (rice starch) plus citric acid as an acidity regulator.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables83 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average pasta sauce, this sauce contains roughly one‑third the sugar, one‑third the fat, and far less salt and calories.

Ingredients

tomatoes (83%) tomato paste extra virgin olive oil basil (2%) onions carrots sea salt sugar stabiliser: rice starch acidity regulator: citric acid. . prepared to a vegan recipe. not suitable for milk or egg allergy sufferers because these allergens are present in the environment

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce.

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