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

The sauce is made from a blend of water, coconut, modified maize starch, multiple pureed vegetables and a range of seasonings, all of which are industrially prepared, placing it in the NOVA 4 ultra‑processed category. Its additive list includes turmeric extract (E100) for colour, acetic acid (E260) and lactic acid (E270) as acidity regulators, and citric acid (E330) to enhance flavour stability.

How does the sugar and salt content in Katsu Curry Sauce affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 2.3 g of sugars per 100 g, the sauce is low in sugar and therefore has a limited impact on blood glucose levels, making it more suitable for diabetic individuals than sweeter sauces. However, it contains 0.63 g of salt per 100 g, which contributes to daily sodium intake and should be used sparingly by people managing hypertension.

Based on the ingredients, is Katsu Curry Sauce suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or soy‑free diets?

The product is vegan‑friendly as it contains no animal‑derived ingredients, but it is not gluten‑free or soy‑free because the soy sauce component includes soybeans and roasted wheat, the latter providing gluten.

Sainsbury's

Katsu Curry Sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Katsu Curry Sauce is a ready‑to‑use condiment that falls under the PNNS groups "Fat and sauces" and "Dressings and sauces". It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, containing additives such as turmeric extract (E100), acetic acid (E260), lactic acid (E270) and citric acid (E330). Nutritionally, it offers low sugars and moderate amounts of fat, saturated fat and salt, with modest fibre and protein levels, which presents both a lighter profile than many sauces and the drawbacks of added sodium and processed ingredients.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal85 kcal

Energy355 kJ

Fat4.2 g

Saturated Fat2.3 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average curry sauce, Katsu Curry Sauce contains markedly less fat (3.4 g vs 12.0 g), saturated fat (1.5 g vs 2.1 g), salt (0.6 g vs 5.0 g) and sugars (2.3 g vs 11.0 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Water, Coconut (7%), Modified Maize Starch, Onion Purée, Ginger Purée (3%), Tomato Purée, Rapeseed Oil, Sugar, Garlic Purée, Dried Onion, Salt, Soy Sauce (Water, Salt, Sugar, Roasted Wheat, Soya Beans, Wheat, Acidity Regulator: Acetic Acid), Ground Coriander, Ground Cumin, Ground Fennel, Acidity Regulators: Lactic Acid, Citric Acid; Ground Turmeric, Onion Powder, Ground Fenugreek, Chilli Powder, Garlic Powder, Ground Ginger, Turmeric Extract, Black Pepper, Ground Cassia, Ground - Cardamom, Ground Cloves, Ground Bay Leaf. All 11 including cereals

84%

35%

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