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

The meal contains many industrially prepared components such as brined chicken, refined corn starch, light cream, whey powder and a range of seasonings, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category; the only listed additive is the colourant E160c (paprika extract).

How does the salt and sugar content of this frozen meal affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 2.4 g of sugar and 0.34 g of salt per 100 g, the product is relatively low in both nutrients, making it a more suitable occasional option for people managing diabetes or high blood pressure, though overall carbohydrate intake should still be considered.

Is this product suitable for specific dietary patterns such as vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free?

The meal contains chicken, milk‑based ingredients (cream, yogurt, butter) and whey powder, so it is not vegan; its carbohydrate content from rice and starch may be moderate for keto, and the presence of dairy and possible non‑halal processing means it is not certified halal; no wheat‑based ingredients are listed, suggesting it could be gluten‑free but cross‑contamination cannot be ruled out.

Picard • 350 g e

Butter chicken et riz pilaf

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Butter chicken and pilaf rice is a frozen, single‑serve meal from Picard that belongs to the One‑dish meals family. It earns a Nutri‑Score of A and provides 141 kcal, 8.4 g protein and only 0.34 g salt per 100 g, but it is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and contains milk allergens and a colour additive (E160c). While the fat and sugar levels are modest, the product includes several dairy ingredients and a relatively low fiber content, which may be a concern for those limiting saturated fat or seeking higher fiber.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal141 kcal

Fat4.6 g

Saturated Fat1.6 g

Carbohydrates16 g

Sugars2.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average frozen chicken‑based meal, this butter chicken pilaf provides fewer calories, less fat, sugar and salt per 100 g, while delivering a higher protein content but also considerably less dietary fiber.

Ingredients

Eau, filet de poulet cuit traité en salaison (filet de poulet 21,7% (origine: Royaume-Uni), amidon de maïs, sel), riz basmati 16,1%, tomate concassée 7,6%, oignon, crème liquide légère (LAIT), purée d'oignon (oignon, huile de colza), yaourt (LAIT) 2,8%, beurre (LAIT) 1,8%, huile de colza, sucre, amidon de maïs, purée de gingembre, sel, lactosérum en poudre (LAIT), ail, graine de coriandre en poudre, curcuma, feuille de coriandre, purée de tomate 0,1%, cardamone en poudre 0,1%, épices garam masala 0,06%, cumin, fenugrec, colorant: extrait de paprika, feuille de laurier en poudre, paprika, piment en poudre, clou de girofle en poudre.

84%

35%

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