Why is Tarka Dal classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and does it contain any additives?

The product is made from cooked lentils, oil, tomatoes and a blend of spices, which are combined and packaged, placing it in NOVA group 3; the ingredient list shows no additives, so it contains none.

How does the moderate fat and low salt profile of Tarka Dal influence a heart‑healthy or low‑sodium diet?

Its low salt (0.55 g per 100 g) supports a low‑sodium plan, while the moderate fat (10.2 g) – largely unsaturated rapeseed oil – can fit into a heart‑healthy diet if consumed in appropriate portions.

Is the mustard seed ingredient in Tarka Dal a potential allergen for consumers with mustard sensitivity?

Yes, black mustard seeds are listed among the ingredients and are flagged as an allergen, so anyone allergic to mustard should avoid this product.

Marks & Spencer • 250g

Tarka Dal

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Tarka Dal is a plant‑based, one‑dish meal classified under Composite foods, offering a Nutri‑Score of A and falling into NOVA group 3, indicating it is a processed but not ultra‑processed product. It provides a good amount of fiber (3.7 g) and protein (5.4 g) while keeping sugars low at 2 g per 100 g, but the fat content is moderate at 10.2 g and the salt level is moderate at 0.55 g. Overall the meal delivers fewer calories and less sugar than many comparable ready meals, yet its higher fat and modest protein levels may be a downside for some diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal166 kcal

Fat10.2 g

Saturated Fat0.8 g

Carbohydrates10.5 g

Sugars2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal in its category, Tarka Dal contains less sugar, less salt and slightly fewer calories, but its fat content is considerably higher while protein is below average.

Ingredients

Cooked Lentils (75%) (Water Red Lentils Chana Dal Lentils) Rapeseed Oil Tomatoes (4.5%) Garlic Purée Shallots Tomato Paste, Ginger Purée Green Chillies. Cinger Salt Coriander. Turmeric Ground Cumin, ground Garam Masala (Roasted Black Pepper Roasted, coriander, Mace, Roasted Fennel Seeds, Sweet Cinnamon (Cassia) Ginger Cloves), Ground Paprika, Cumin Seeds, curry Leaves, Black Mustard Seeds, Dried Red Chillies

84%

35%

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