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

The dish combines many refined and formulated ingredients such as single cream, low‑fat yogurt, butter, cornflour, added cane and demerara sugars, and a colourant (E160c – paprika extract), which together meet the criteria for NOVA group 4 ultra‑processed foods.

How does the saturated fat content in this product affect a heart‑healthy diet?

With 3.9 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the product contains more saturated fat than the average one‑dish meal; regular consumption may raise LDL‑cholesterol levels and should be limited for those following a heart‑healthy eating plan.

Is the milk used in this Chicken Tikka Masala a problem for people with lactose intolerance?

Yes; the recipe includes single cream, low‑fat yogurt, regular yogurt and unsalted butter, contributing roughly 0.69 g of lactose per 100 g, so it can trigger symptoms in individuals who are lactose intolerant.

M&S Our Best Ever • 460g

Chicken Tikka Masala

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Chicken Tikka Masala from M&S Our Best Ever is a refrigerated one-dish meal classified in the Composite foods and One-dish meals groups. It carries a Nutri-Score of B and falls in NOVA group 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed product containing added sugars, a colour additive (E160c) and several dairy ingredients. Nutritionally it offers high protein (13.5 g per 100 g) and moderate fat (9.5 g) with low sugar (2.7 g) and salt (0.7 g), but its saturated fat (3.9 g) is above average for similar meals.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal158 kcal

Fat9.5 g

Saturated Fat3.9 g

Carbohydrates4.2 g

Sugars2.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average one-dish meals, this Chicken Tikka Masala provides more protein, fat and saturated fat while containing considerably less sugar, salt and carbohydrates.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast (53%), Single Cream (Milk) (17%), Coconut Milk (12%) (Coconut Extract Water) , Tomatoes. Rapeseed Oil, Ginger Purée, Garlic Purée, Low Fat Yogurt (Milk), Cornflour, Yogurt (Milk), Ground Spices (Coriander, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Cinnamon ,Cumin,Paprika, Chilli Powder ,Bay Leaves ,Green Cardamom, Mace, Nutmeg,Cloves), Unsalted Butter (Milk), Ginger, Cane Sugar, Red Chillies, Lemon Juice, Salt, Red Chilli Purée, Smoked Salt, Cumin Seeds, Coriander, Demerara Sugar, Chickpea Flour, Ground Garam Masala (Roasted Coriander,Roasted Cumin, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Mace, Roasted Green Cardamom Seeds, Ginger, Fennel, Cloves, Nutmeg, Bay Leaves), Fenugreek Leaves, Colour: Paprika Extract, Whole Black Cardamom Seeds, Whole Green Cardamom, Cracked Black Pepper, Crushed Red Chillies, Chilli Extract

84%

35%

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