Why is Light Soy Sauce classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The sauce undergoes extensive extraction, concentration and addition of stabilisers, which places it in NOVA group 4. Its ingredient list includes caramel colour (E150a) for hue, lactic acid (E270) as an acidity regulator, and potassium sorbate (E202) as a preservative.

How does the salt content in Light Soy Sauce affect a hypertensive or low‑sodium diet?

With 14.7 g of salt per 100 g, the sauce contributes a very high amount of sodium, which can raise blood pressure and counteract the goals of a low‑sodium diet. Individuals with hypertension should limit its use or dilute it with lower‑salt alternatives.

Is Light Soy Sauce suitable for vegan, vegetarian or gluten‑free diets?

The product is vegetarian and technically vegan, as all ingredients are plant‑derived, but it contains wheat flour, making it unsuitable for a gluten‑free diet. It is certified kosher and contains no animal‑derived additives.

TESCO

Light Soy Sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Light Soy Sauce is a vegetarian, kosher condiment classified under the Fat and sauces and Dressings and sauces groups. It delivers a low energy value of 59 kcal per 100 g, with very low fat (0.2 g) and saturated fat (0.1 g), but contains a high salt level of 14.7 g, moderate sugars (10 g) and modest protein (1.7 g), resulting in a Nutri‑Score of E and a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed rating. The formulation includes soy extract, wheat flour (gluten), caramel colour (E150a), lactic acid (E270) and potassium sorbate (E202), which together contribute to its shelf‑stable nature but also to its processed profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal59 kcal

Fat0.2 g

Saturated Fat0.1 g

Carbohydrates12.2 g

Sugars10 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average soy‑sauce market, this Light Soy Sauce has dramatically lower fat and saturated fat, roughly equal sugar content, but its salt level is almost three times higher than the category average.

Ingredients

Water, Soya Extract (14%) (Water, Soya Bean, Wheat Flour, Salt), Salt, Sugar, Colour (Plain Caramel), Yeast Extract Powder, Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate). Allergy Advice For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. Also may contain nuts, sesame seeds and peanuts. Suitable for vegetarians.

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