Is Italian Tomato Pasta Sauce Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer's Italian Tomato Pasta Sauce is reviewed here as a sauce condiment. Zerotox gives it 70/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The composition includes tomatoes and sunflower oil, but also contains sugar and rice starch, which raise concerns about processed ingredients. The presence of citric acid as an acidity regulator is common but indicates some processing.
70 / 100
Why score is 70
The composition includes tomatoes and sunflower oil, but also contains sugar and rice starch, which raise concerns about processed ingredients. The presence of citric acid as an acidity regulator is common but indicates some processing.
Main concern
Sugar is included, which raises concerns about added sweeteners in the sauce.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Tomatoes (65%) provide a natural base, contributing to flavor and quality.
- Basil and garlic are natural flavor enhancers, adding depth to the sauce.
- Contains no artificial preservatives, indicating a more natural composition.
- Suitable for vegetarians, appealing to a wider audience.
Concerns
- Sugar is included, which raises concerns about added sweeteners in the sauce.
- Rice starch may indicate processing, potentially affecting the sauce's quality.
- Sunflower oil is a refined oil, which may not be as healthy as unrefined options.
- Contains alcohol from red wine, which may not be suitable for all consumers.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this sauce condiment, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Tomatoes safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Tomatoes is used here as base. Tomatoes are the primary ingredient, providing natural flavor and nutrients. Their high percentage indicates a strong tomato base.
Role in formula: base
Original: Tomatoes (65%)
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Is Sunflower Oil safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Sunflower oil is a refined oil used for texture and mouthfeel. While it is common, it lacks the health benefits of unrefined oils.
Role in formula: base
Original: Sunflower Oil
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Is Tomato Paste safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Tomato Paste is used here as base. Tomato paste enhances the tomato flavor and contributes to the sauce's thickness, supporting the overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Tomato Paste
-
Is Carrots safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Carrots is used here as natural_extract. Carrots add natural sweetness and nutrients, enhancing the sauce's flavor profile without artificial additives.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Carrots
-
Is Onions safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Onions is used here as natural_extract. Onions provide a savory base flavor, contributing to the overall taste and complexity of the sauce.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Onions
-
Is Celery safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Celery is used here as natural_extract. Celery adds a subtle flavor and texture, enhancing the sauce's overall profile without artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Celery
-
Is Red Wine safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Red Wine is used here as flavor. Red wine adds depth and complexity to the flavor, but its alcohol content may not be suitable for all consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Red Wine
-
Is Basil safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Basil is used here as natural_extract. Basil is a natural herb that enhances flavor, contributing positively to the sauce's overall quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Basil
-
Is Garlic safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Garlic is used here as natural_extract. Garlic adds a robust flavor and is known for its culinary benefits, enhancing the sauce's appeal.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Garlic
-
Is Sea Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Sea Salt is used here as flavor. Sea salt is used for seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor without the concerns associated with synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Sea Salt
-
Is Rice Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Rice Starch is used here as thickener. Rice starch is used as a thickening agent, which may indicate some processing and could affect the sauce's quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Rice Starch
-
Is Sugar safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, raising concerns about unnecessary added sugars in the sauce.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used as an acidity regulator, common in sauces, but indicates some level of processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid
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Is Rosemary safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Rosemary is used here as natural_extract. Rosemary is a natural herb that adds flavor and has antioxidant properties, enhancing the sauce's quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Rosemary
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Is Ground Black Pepper safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Ground Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Ground black pepper adds a mild heat and complexity to the flavor profile, contributing positively to the sauce.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ground Black Pepper
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3240978
More from this brand: Marks and Spencer products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.