Why is Cherry tomato basil sauce classified as processed (NOVA 3) and what additives does it contain?

The sauce is classified as NOVA 3 because the ingredients are cooked, blended and flavored with oil, vinegar and spices, which constitutes processing beyond simple preservation; however the label lists no food additives, so the product contains only the natural ingredients shown.

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

At 5 g of sugars and 0.8 g of salt per 100 g, the sauce provides fewer carbohydrates and far less sodium than typical tomato sauces, making it a relatively moderate choice for diabetes or high‑blood‑pressure diets, though portion control is still advisable.

Is Cherry tomato basil sauce suitable for vegan, gluten-free and halal diets?

All listed ingredients are plant-based, contain no animal-derived components or gluten, and the only animal-derived element is wine vinegar, which is generally accepted in halal diets, so the sauce can be considered vegan, gluten-free and suitable for most halal consumers.

Waitrose • 350 g

Cherry tomato basil sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Cherry tomato basil sauce is a plant-based condiment made from a blend of tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil and a touch of sun-dried tomatoes, designed to add a fresh, tangy flavor to meals. It belongs to the 'Fat and sauces' and 'Dressings and sauces' PNNS groups, carries a Nutri-Score of A, falls into NOVA group 3 (processed), and per 100 g provides 65 kcal, 3.3 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 5 g sugars, 0.8 g salt, 1.6 g fiber and 1.5 g protein. While its low fat, sugar and salt levels are favourable, the sauce does contain added salt and a small amount of sugar, and its processing includes cooking and oil incorporation, which may be a consideration for very low-sodium or additive-free diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal65 kcal

Fat3.3 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates6.5 g

Sugars5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average tomato sauce, this cherry tomato basil sauce contains about half the fat (3.3 g vs 12.0 g), less than half the sugar (5 g vs 10.9 g), and roughly one‑sixth the salt (0.8 g vs 5.0 g) per 100 g, while delivering slightly more fiber.

Ingredients

Tomatoes, cherry tomatoes (24%), tomato juice, water, onion, sun dried tomato, basil (2%), extra virgin olive oil (2%), Stir before serving once cooled MICROWAVE sunflower oil, tomato purée, garlic CAT D 800W purée, wine vinegar, salt, sugar, grape must concentrate, oregano, garlic powder STORAGE: Keep refrigerated below 5°C.

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