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

It combines several refined ingredients such as rice bran oil, modified tapioca starch, acidity regulators (acetic acid), spice extracts (cumin, paprika oil) and processed shrimp, all of which are manufactured rather than whole‑food components, placing it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the salt content in Thai Red Curry Paste affect a hypertensive or low‑sodium diet?

With 2.05 g of salt per 100 g, the paste contributes a noticeable amount of sodium; regular consumption can push total daily salt intake toward or above recommended limits for people managing blood‑pressure, so portion control or rinsing after use is advisable.

Is the shrimp ingredient in this paste a concern for individuals with shellfish allergies?

Yes; the ingredient list specifies “Palm Sugar Carlic Shrimps (Crustacean)” and the allergen tag highlights crustaceans, so anyone allergic to shrimp or other shellfish should avoid the product.

Marks & Spencer

thai red curry paste

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Thai Red Curry Paste, sold under the Marks & Spencer brand and produced in Thailand, is a glass‑packaged condiment designed for adding authentic Thai flavor to dishes. It belongs to the “Fat and sauces” PNNS group, carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), with 8.3 g fat, 7.4 g sugars, 1.5 g protein and 2.05 g salt per 100 g, giving it moderate energy (128 kcal) but a relatively high salt rating. The formulation includes rice bran oil, modified tapioca starch, acidity regulators and shrimp, making it unsuitable for those with crustacean allergies and leaving its vegan status uncertain.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal128 kcal

Fat8.3 g

Saturated Fat1.8 g

Carbohydrates11.3 g

Sugars7.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar curry pastes, this product is lower in fat (8.3 g vs 12.0 g), lower in sugars (7.4 g vs 10.95 g) and also lower in salt (2.05 g vs 5.02 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

Water - Rice Bran Oil; Lemongrass (8%) Shallots Galangal (7%) Red Chillies (5%) Palm Sugar Carlic Shrimps (Crustacean) (1.5%) Salt Modified Tapioca Starch Coriander Root (1%). Acidity Regulator Acetic Acid Cumin Lime Zest Paprika Oil Sea Salt. * For allergens see ingredients in bold. Not suitable for those with a Sesame allergy Made in Thailand. SC1519 OM&S plc PO Box 3339 CH99 9QS UK. M&S (Ireland) Ltd PO Box 13022 Dublin 2 Ireland Recipe 190ge www 72 The

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