Why is Fragrant Tikka Curry Paste classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The paste is placed in NOVA 4 because most of its ingredients are industrially processed and it includes several food-industry additives; the label lists modified maize starch (E1400), citric acid (E330) as an acidity regulator and paprika extract (E160c) as a colour, all of which are typical of ultra-processed sauces.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 3.9 g of sugar per 100 g the paste contributes a small amount of carbohydrate, which is generally acceptable for most diabetic meal plans when used in modest quantities, but the 0.99 g of salt (about 400 mg sodium) adds to daily sodium intake and should be considered by people managing hypertension.

Based on its ingredient list, is this curry paste suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten-free diets?

All ingredients are plant-derived, so the product is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets; it contains no gluten-containing grains, making it likely gluten-free, and it has no animal-derived additives, which generally satisfies halal requirements, although it is not formulated for a strict keto regimen because its carbohydrate level (8.6 g per 100 g) exceeds typical keto limits.

Sainsburys

Fragrant Tikka Curry Paste

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Fragrant Tikka Curry Paste is a plant-based condiment marketed as a meal sauce and belongs to the 'Fat and sauces' and 'Dressings and sauces' groups. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting an ultra-processed product that contains added modified maize starch, citric acid and paprika extract as additives. Nutritionally, it is low in fat (2.7 g), saturated fat (0.4 g) and salt (0.99 g per 100 g, moderate), while providing modest protein (2.5 g) and relatively low sugar (3.9 g, low), but the overall calorie level (80 kcal) and processed ingredient list may be a drawback for clean-eating consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal80 kcal

Fat2.7 g

Saturated Fat0.4 g

Carbohydrates8.6 g

Sugars3.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average condiment/sauce (≈183 kcal, 10.9 g sugar, 12 g fat, 2.1 g saturated fat and 5 g salt per 100 g), this tikka paste delivers only 80 kcal, 3.9 g sugar, 2.7 g fat, 0.4 g saturated fat and 0.99 g salt, making it markedly lower in those nutrients.

Ingredients

Water, Tomato (10%), Tomato Paste (10%), Coriander Powder (5%), Onion (4%), Cumin Powde Sugar, Coriander Leaf, Garlic Purée, Ginger Purée, Rapeseed Oil, Coconut Cream (Coconut Extract, Water), Salt, Modified Maize Starch, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Cardamom Powder, Cinnamon Powder, Chilli Powder, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid; Turmeric Powder, Black Pepper, Fenugreek Powder, Fenugreek Leaf, Fennel Powder, Clove Powder, Colour: Paprika Extract.

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