Why is Tikka chicken classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product blends cooked chicken with yogurt, starches, spices and a range of functional ingredients; additives such as sodium triphosphate (E451/E451i) for texture, paprika extract (E160c) for colour, dextrose and brown sugar for sweetness, and stabilisers place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and salt content in Tikka chicken affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 1.5 g of sugar and 0.67 g of salt per 100 g, the sugar level is modest and the salt is well below the average for processed meats, making it a relatively safe option for blood‑glucose control and blood‑pressure management when consumed in typical portion sizes.

Is the yogurt (milk) in Tikka chicken a concern for people with dairy allergies?

Yes, the ingredient list includes yogurt made from cow's milk, which is highlighted as an allergen, so anyone with a dairy allergy should avoid this product.

J. James

Tikka chicken

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Tikka chicken is a ready‑to‑eat sliced chicken breast product sold under the J. James brand at Sainsbury’s, classified in the Meat family (PNNS group "Fish Meat Eggs"). It delivers 20 g of protein and only 1.8 g of fat per 100 g, providing 106 kcal, which is well below the typical prepared‑meat average, and its salt level (0.67 g) is far lower than the sector mean of 3.5 g. However, it is rated NOVA 4 (ultra‑processed) and carries a Nutri‑Score of A despite containing several additives such as sodium triphosphate (E451) and paprika extract (E160c), and it includes milk‑derived yogurt, a declared allergen.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal106 kcal

Fat1.8 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates1.6 g

Sugars1.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average prepared‑meat (18.6 g fat, 1.56 g sugar, 3.5 g salt, 254 kcal and 18.4 g protein per 100 g), Tikka chicken contains dramatically less fat and calories, similar sugar, much lower salt, and slightly more protein.

Ingredients

British Chicken Breast Fillet, Yogurt (Cows' Milk), Onion Purée, Garlic Purée, Sugar, Rice Flour, Honey, Coriander Leaf, Ginger Purée, Tomato Purée, Potato Starch, Cornflour, Chilli, Cumin, Lemon Juice, Salt, Stabiliser: Sodium Triphosphate; Dextrose, Brown Sugar, Turmeric, Fenugreek, Cayenne Pepper, Cardamom, Spirit Vinegar, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Paprika Extract, Rapeseed Oil, Cinnamon, Sunflower Oil. Made using 89g of chicken per 100g of marinated, cooked chicken. Moisture is lost during cooking. ALLERGY ADVICE: For allergens, see ingredients in bold. SAFETY: Although every care has been taken to remove all bones, some may remain.

84%

35%

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