Kissan Tomato & Chilli Ketchup — ENGINEERED

Munch or Dump rates Kissan Tomato & Chilli Ketchup by Kissan ENGINEERED — score 30/90.

A NOVA-4 ultra-processed sauce that's mostly water and sugar with only 28% tomato paste, held together by modified starch, a stabilizer, and a synthetic preservative.

Why this verdict

• Only 28% tomato paste — the rest is mostly water and sugar
• Sugar is a top ingredient, ahead of most flavor components
• Modified starch (E1422) fakes the thick body real tomato would give
• Synthetic preservative sodium benzoate (E211) plus xanthan stabilizer
• NOVA-4 ultra-processed condiment built for shelf life, not nutrition

Ingredients (11)

• Water (safe) — Added back as a filler/texture agent; harmless but dilutes.
• Tomato Paste (28%) (safe) — The real food here — concentrated tomato with lycopene and some potassium.
• Sugar (concerning) — Added sugar, third by weight, feeds yeast and adds sweetness with no nutritional benefit.
• Iodised Salt (safe) — Small amount for flavor balance; iodine is beneficial.
• Acidity Regulator (E260, acetic acid) (safe) — Vinegar acid for tang and shelf pH; benign.
• Stabilizer E1422 (acetylated distarch adipate) (moderate) — A chemically modified starch that fakes the thick texture real tomato solids would provide.
• Stabilizer E415 (xanthan gum) (moderate) — A microbial thickener stacked on top of the modified starch to hold body and prevent separation.
• Preservative (E211 sodium benzoate) (concerning) — Synthetic preservative; can form benzene with vitamin C and is a common additive to limit.
• ONION POWDER (safe) — Dried seasoning, harmless.
• GARLIC POWDER (safe) — Dehydrated aromatic for seasoning.
• Spices and Condiments (safe) — Real garlic, cumin, coriander, chilli and more provide flavor with minor benefit.

Healthier alternatives

• Vegetable Ketchup
• Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup (BIO)
• Simple Truth Organic Thick & Chunky Mild Salsa
• Tabasco Premium Salsa
• Salsa