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

The meal combines many industrial ingredients such as refined rice, pre‑cooked chicken, dairy powders, starches and flavorings, and it lists three food additives: E471 (mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids), E415 (xanthan gum) and E412 (guar gum), which together place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Each 100 g serving provides 4.4 g of sugar, which can raise blood glucose levels and may require careful carbohydrate counting for diabetics. It also contains 0.94 g of salt (moderate level), contributing roughly 380 mg of sodium, which can be significant for people monitoring blood pressure and should be balanced with lower‑sodium meals.

Is the dairy content in this product a concern for people with milk allergy or lactose intolerance?

Yes. The recipe includes yogurt, cream, butter, skimmed milk powder and a milk‑protein component in the coconut‑milk powder, all of which contain milk proteins and lactose, making the product unsuitable for individuals with milk allergy or lactose intolerance.

Chef Select • 330g

Chicken Tikka Masala

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Chicken Tikka Masala is a ready‑to‑heat microwave meal from the Chef Select brand, featuring rice, seasoned chicken, yogurt, cream and a blend of spices. It belongs to the Composite foods and One‑dish meals dietary families, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with moderate fat, saturated fat and low sugar but a relatively high salt content for a single serving. The formulation includes milk‑derived allergens and three food additives (E412, E415, E471), which may be relevant for allergy‑sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal129 kcal

Fat4.5 g

Saturated Fat1.8 g

Carbohydrates16.4 g

Sugars4.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average microwave meal, this Chicken Tikka Masala contains less fat, salt and calories, but slightly more sugar and lower protein and fiber levels.

Ingredients

45% gegarter Reis (Wasser, Jasmin - reis, Rapsöl), 13% Hähnchenfleisch flüssig gewürzt gegart (Hähnchenfleisch, Wasser, Stärke, Speisesalz, Dextrose), Wasser, Zwiebeln, 6% Joghurt, 4,5% Tomaten, Tomatenmark doppelt konzentriert, Sahne, Zucker, Zuckerrübensirup, Hühnerfett, Gewürze, Kräuter, 1% Kokos - nussmilchpulver (Kokosnussmitch, Maltodextrin, Milcheiweiß), Speisesalz, Butter, Stärke, Emulgator: Mono - und Diglyceride von Speisefettsäuren; Verdickungsmittel: Xanthan, Guarkernmehl; Magermilchpulver, Dextrose, Branntweinessig

84%

35%

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