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

It is assigned to NOVA 4 because its formulation includes refined ingredients such as rapeseed oil, processed fish sauce made from anchovy extract, added sugars, and two listed food additives – acetic acid (E260) used as a regulator and paprika extract (E160c) used as a colour – all of which are typical of highly processed foods.

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

With 11 g of sugar and 7.7 g of salt per 100 g, the paste can quickly raise blood glucose and increase sodium intake; therefore people managing diabetes or high blood pressure should limit portion size or choose a lower‑sugar, lower‑salt alternative.

Based on the ingredients, is this paste suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The presence of fish sauce and anchovy extract makes it non‑vegan and unsuitable for strict vegan or vegetarian diets; it contains no added dairy or wheat, so it can fit a gluten‑free regimen, while the relatively low carbohydrate (≈20 g) and modest fat profile allow it to be incorporated into a keto plan, though the high salt may be a concern; halal status would depend on the source of the fish sauce, which is not specified.

Lidl Taste Of

Thai Massaman Curry Paste

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

This Thai Massaman Curry Paste from Lidl Taste Of belongs to the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” PNNS groups, offering a convenient flavor base for Thai cooking. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified as NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with relatively high salt (7.7 g per 100 g) and moderate sugar (11 g per 100 g) while providing modest fiber (3 g) and low saturated fat (0.8 g). The paste also contains fish‑derived ingredients and two food additives (acetic acid E260 and paprika extract E160c), making it unsuitable for vegans and those avoiding fish allergens, but its blend of lemongrass, galangal and spices contributes authentic flavor.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Added Sugars2.9 g

Fruits & Vegetables24.3 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average Thai curry paste, this product contains slightly more sugar (11 g vs 10.95 g), higher total fat (12.8 g vs 12.0 g) and markedly more salt (7.7 g vs 5.0 g) per 100 g, while offering more fiber and less saturated fat.

Ingredients

Water, 7% Red Chilli Purée (Red Chillies, Salt, Acidity Curry paste with red chillies, lemongrass, galangal and spices. Regulator: Acetic Acid), 7% Lemongrass, Rapeseed Oil, 5% Galangal, Onion Sugar, Lime Leaf, Fish Sauce (Anchovy Extract (Fish), Salt, Sugar, Water Cornflour, Garlic, 2% Spices, (Cloves, Coriander, Cumin, Nutmeg, Cardam Cinnamon, Turmeric), Salt, Concentrated Lime Juice, Colour: Paprika Extract. Allergy Advice: For allergens, see ingredients in bold. Nutrition Information: Typical values per 100g: Energy 441kJ/

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