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

The dish is assembled from many pre‑processed components such as paneer, cream, butter, ghee, instant nonfat milk and a spice blend, and it uses three listed food additives: paprika oleoresin (E160c) for colour, acetic acid (E260) as an acidity regulator, and citric acid (E330) as another acidity regulator, which together place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

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

With 3.1 g saturated fat per 100 g, the product contributes more than the average frozen rice dish to saturated‑fat intake, which can raise LDL cholesterol if consumed frequently; however, its salt level is low at 0.74 g per 100 g, well below typical frozen meals, making it less problematic for blood‑pressure control than many comparable options.

Is the cashew content in Paneer Tikka Masala a concern for people with nut allergies?

Yes, the ingredient list includes cashews, and the product is labeled as containing nuts, so anyone with a tree‑nut allergy should avoid it.

Trader Joe's • 9 oz (255 g)

Paneer Tikka Masala

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Paneer Tikka Masala is a 255 g frozen Indian‑style one‑dish meal that combines paneer tikka with a spiced spinach pilaf and basmati rice, and it is labeled vegetarian and gluten‑free but contains dairy and nuts. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of A and provides about 153 kcal, 5.5 g protein, 8.6 g fat (3.1 g saturated), 2 g sugars, 0.74 g salt and 2 g fiber per 100 g, giving it low sugar and salt levels yet a relatively high fat and saturated‑fat content for its category. It is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and includes additives such as paprika oleoresin (E160c), acetic acid (E260) and citric acid (E330), making it unsuitable for vegan diets and a potential concern for those allergic to milk or cashews.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal153 kcal

Added Sugars0.8 g

Iron0.3 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average frozen rice dish, Paneer Tikka Masala contains less sugar (2 g vs 3.6 g) and far less salt (0.7 g vs 3.6 g), but it has higher fat (8.6 g vs 5.9 g) and saturated fat (3.1 g vs 1.9 g), and provides lower protein, carbohydrates and energy.

Ingredients

PANEER TIKKA: TOMATOES (TOMATOES, TOMATO JUICE, SALT, CITRIC ACID [ACIDIFIER]), ONIONS, WATER, PANEER (PASTEURIZED MILK, NONFAT DRY MILK, ACETIC ACID), CANOLA OIL, CREAM, INSTANT NONFAT DRY MILK (NONFAT DRY MILK, LACTOSE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, VITAMIN D3), SPICES, CASHEWS, GARLIC, BUTTER, SUGAR, SALT, TAPIOCA STARCH, GHEE (CLARIFIED BUTTER), FENUGREEK LEAVES, CILANTRO, TURMERIC (SPICE AND COLOR), OLEORESIN OF PAPRIKA (COLOR). SPINACH PILAF: WATER, BASMATI RICE, ONIONS, SPINACH, CARROTS, CANOLA OIL, SPICES, GARLIC, SUGAR, SALT, TURMERIC (SPICE AND COLOR). CONTAINS MILK, CASHEWS.

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