Tomato sauce

Tomato sauce is a sauce made from tomatoes, often with added herbs, spices, and other flavourings. It is typically made by cooking down tomatoes, sometimes with onions, garlic, and seasonings, then pureeing the mixture. The resulting sauce can be smooth or chunky, depending on the preparation method.

Manufacturers use tomato sauce primarily for its flavour and colour, adding a rich, savoury, and slightly sweet taste to a wide range of dishes. It is a staple ingredient in many ready meals, pasta sauces, pizzas, and as a condiment for savoury snacks.

Tomato sauce is not a food additive and is generally considered safe when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Tomatoes are a source of vitamins and antioxidants, such as lycopene. However, some commercially prepared tomato sauces can be high in added salt and sugar, which the NHS advises should be consumed in moderation. The UK's High Fat, Salt or Sugar (HFSS) regulations may affect the placement and promotion of certain products containing high levels of these ingredients.