Why is Worcestershire Sauce classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Although the ingredient list shows no numbered food additives, the sauce is still labeled as ultra-processed because it undergoes multiple manufacturing steps, includes refined components such as malt vinegar, spirit vinegar, molasses, added sugar, salt and flavourings, and contains anchovies and spices, all of which place it in NOVA group 4.

How does the sugar and salt content in Worcestershire Sauce affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The sauce contains 18.8 g of sugar per 100 ml, which can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose and should be limited for people with diabetes, while 2.85 g of salt per 100 ml can contribute to higher blood pressure and should be used sparingly by those with hypertension.

Is Worcestershire Sauce suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten-free diets?

It is not vegan or vegetarian because it contains anchovies (fish), it contains gluten from barley malt so it is not gluten-free, its high sugar content makes it unsuitable for a strict keto diet, and although fish is generally permissible in halal diets, the product does not carry an official halal certification.

Lea & Perrins • 290ml

Worcestershire Sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce is a fermented condiment classified in the 'Dressings and sauces' group of the French PNNS dietary classification. It carries a Nutri-Score of E and is placed in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra-processed nature, with high sugar (18.8 g per 100 ml) and moderate salt (2.85 g per 100 ml) despite low fat. The formula contains no artificial colours or preservatives, but includes fish (anchovies) and gluten from barley malt, making it unsuitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with fish or gluten allergies.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal96 kcal

Fat0.9 g

Saturated Fat0.4 g

Carbohydrates21 g

Sugars18.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical condiments, this Worcestershire sauce supplies about 18.8 g of sugar per 100 ml - well above the average 10.95 g - while its fat (about 0 g) and saturated fat (0.4 g) are far lower than the category averages of 12.0 g fat and 2.1 g saturated fat, and its salt (2.85 g) is below the average 5.0 g.

Ingredients

Malt Vinegar (from Barley), Spirit Vinegar, Molasses, Sugar, Salt, Anchovies (Fish), Tamarind Extract, Onions, Garlic, Spice, Flavourings

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Worcestershire Sauce.

Lea & Perrins

568ml