Why is Tikka Masala cooking sauce classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The sauce is considered ultra‑processed because it combines several refined ingredients such as modified maize starch, multiple dairy components, and a complex spice blend, and it undergoes industrial formulation steps that add preservatives and colourants; the only listed additives are the colour E160c (paprika extract) and the acidity regulator E270 (lactic acid).

How do the sugar and salt levels in this sauce affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

At 5 g of sugar and 0.76 g of salt per 100 g, the sauce provides moderate amounts that are lower than many comparable sauces, but the sugar can still raise blood glucose and the salt contributes to sodium intake, so people with diabetes or high blood pressure should use it sparingly and count it toward their daily limits.

Is the yogurt and whey protein in this sauce a concern for people with milk allergy or lactose intolerance?

Yes, the product contains yogurt, single cream and whey protein concentrate, all derived from cow's milk, so it poses a risk for individuals allergic to milk proteins and may cause symptoms in those who are lactose intolerant.

Lidl • 500 g

Tikka Masala cooking sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Tikka Masala cooking sauce from Lidl is a ready‑to‑use Indian‑style condiment that falls under the ‘Fat and sauces’ and ‘Dressings and sauces’ groups in the PNNS classification. With a Nutri‑Score of C and a NOVA 4 rating, the sauce provides 90 kcal, 4 g fat (including 1.4 g saturated), 5 g sugars and 0.76 g salt per 100 g, which is noticeably lower than the average values for typical curry sauces. It benefits from a modest fiber content (1.4 g) and 22 % fruit‑vegetable‑legume ingredients, but it includes dairy (yogurt, cream, whey) and two additives (E160c colour, E270 lactic acid), making it unsuitable for vegans and potentially problematic for those with milk allergy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal90 kcal

Fat4 g

Saturated Fat1.4 g

Carbohydrates8 g

Sugars5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average Indian‑style curry sauce, this Tikka Masala sauce contains roughly one‑third the fat, less than half the salt and sugar, and about half the calories per 100 g, positioning it as a lighter‑calorie alternative.

Ingredients

A medium spiced sauce with tomatoes, yogurt and cream with a blend of aromatic spices Ingredients Water, 21% Tomatoes, 9% Yogurt (Milk), 5% Single Cream (Milk), 2% Spices (Coriander, Paprika, Cumin, Turmeric, Fenugreek, Ginger, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Fennel, Chilli, Clove), Modified Maize Starch, Sugar, Dried Onion, Garlic Purée, Ginger Purée, Rapeseed Oil, Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Salt, Acid: Lactic Acid; Colour: Paprika Extract; Cumin Seed, Dried Fenugreek Leaf. Allergy Advice For allergens, see ingredients in bold. May also contain Mustard, Nuts and Peanuts.

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