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

The product combines many industrially processed components such as lentil protein preparation, refined oils and starches, and it includes five listed food additives: E461 (starch stabiliser), E4 (emulsifier), E331 (acidity regulator), E415 (xanthan gum as a stabiliser) and colour agents E160a (carotenes) and E160c (paprika extract), which all contribute to its NOVA 4 status.

How might the sugar and salt levels in this curry affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

At 3.7 g of sugars per 100 g, the product provides a moderate amount of carbohydrate that can raise blood glucose, so diabetics should account for it within their total carb allowance. The salt content is low at 0.73 g per 100 g, which is well below the average ready‑meal level and therefore poses minimal risk for hypertension when consumed in typical portions.

Is Tikka masala curry suitable for strict dietary regimes such as vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free?

The recipe is fully vegan, containing no animal‑derived ingredients, and it is free from wheat‑based gluten sources, making it suitable for a gluten‑free diet. However, the carbohydrate content (7.6 g carbs per 100 g) is too high for a strict keto plan, and while the ingredients are plant‑based, the product does not carry a halal certification, so those requiring halal assurance should verify the sourcing of the oils and any processing aids.

M&S food,Plant kitchen,Marks & Spencer

Tikka masala curry

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Tikka masala curry is a plant‑based, ready‑to‑eat one‑dish meal classified in the Composite foods group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and falls in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting the presence of several additives such as E461 (starch stabiliser), E4 (emulsifier), E331 (acidity regulator) and colourants like carotenes and paprika extract. Nutritionally it provides 100 kcal per 100 g, with 6.6 g fat (including 1.9 g saturated), 3.7 g sugars, 0.73 g salt and 1.6 g protein, which is higher in fat and sugar but lower in salt and protein compared with typical ready‑meal averages.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal100 kcal

Fat6.6 g

Saturated Fat1.9 g

Carbohydrates7.6 g

Sugars3.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average ready‑meal values, this curry contains slightly more fat (6.6 g vs 5.94 g) and sugars (3.7 g vs 3.57 g), markedly less salt (0.73 g vs 3.55 g) and considerably less protein (1.6 g vs 7.16 g).

Ingredients

Lentil Protein Preparation (19%), (Water, rapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Lentil Protein, sugar, Modified Potato, Starch Stabiliser: E461, emulsifier: E4, Acidity Regulator: E331, Flavourings Salt Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum - Colour: Carotenes), Onions (18%), Cauliflower (14%), Red Peppers (7%), Coconut Milk (Coconut Extract Water), Tomatoes (6%), Water Butternut Squash (6%), Rapeseed Oil, Garlic Purée, ginger Purée, Cornflour, Ground Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, kashmiri Chilli Powder, roasted Coriander, roasted, Cumin, Cinnamon Paprika, Black Pepper, nutmeg, Cloves, chilli Powder, Green Cardamom, mace, roasted Green Cardamom Seeds, Ginger, Fennel) Tomato Paste, Sugar, Salt, Coriander, Smoked Salt, Dried Fenugreek, leaves Colour: Paprika Extract, coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Ground Bay Leaves, Fennel Seeds, Whole Green Cardamom

84%

35%

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