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

The product is rated NOVA 4 because it combines many individually processed ingredients, such as marinated chicken, refined rice, multiple spice blends, and added vegetable oils, and it includes two food colour additives: E100 (turmeric extract) and E160c (paprika extract). These manufacturing steps and additives place it in the ultra‑processed category.

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

With 2.2 g of sugars and 0.38 g of salt per 100 g, the meal is relatively low in both sugar and sodium compared with many ready meals, making it a more suitable option for people managing blood glucose or blood pressure, but portion control is still important to keep overall daily intake within recommended limits.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like Vegan, Keto, Halal, or Gluten‑Free?

No, the dish is not vegan because it contains chicken, low‑fat yogurt and single cream, which also mean it is not suitable for strict halal requirements without a certified halal label. It is not keto‑friendly due to its 13.5 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, and while the rice base is naturally gluten‑free, the product does not explicitly guarantee a gluten‑free status.

Co Op • 400 g

Chicken Tikka Masala with Pilau Rice

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Chicken Tikka Masala with Pilau Rice is a ready‑to‑heat one‑dish meal classified under the Composite foods and One‑dish meals groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and is labeled as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), reflecting its complex ingredient list, added colour additives and processing steps. While it offers moderate protein and lower levels of fat, sugar and salt than many similar meals, it also contains milk and nuts as allergens and provides less fibre than the average ready‑meal.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables27.6 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal, this chicken tikka masala provides notably less fat, saturated fat, sugar, salt and energy per 100 g, though its protein and fibre are also below the category average.

Ingredients

Pilau Rice (38%) (Water, White Rice, Rapeseed Oil, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric Extract, Ground Cardamom, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Bay Leaf, Ground Cloves), Marinated Chicken (21%) (Chicken Breast, Water, Low Fat Yogurt (Milk), Potato Starch, Garam Masala (Coriander, Cassia, Allspice, Ginger, Cumin Seeds, Nutmeg, Cloves, Fennel, Dill, Black Pepper, Mace, Chillies), Paprika, Salt, Green Chillies, Chopped Coriander, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Chilli Powder, Ground Fenugreek, Colour (Paprika extract)), Onion, Water, Single Cream (Milk) (8%), Tomatoes, Tomato Purée, Cashew Nut Paste (2%) (Cashew Nuts, Rapeseed Oil), Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Rapeseed), Cornflour, Ginger Purée, Demerara Sugar, Garlic Purée, Chopped Coriander, Salt, Ground Coriander, Green Chillies, Ground Cumin, Paprika, Colour (Paprika extract), Garam Masala (Coriander, Cassia, Allspice, Ginger, Cumin Seeds, Nutmeg, Cloves, Fennel, Dill, Black Pepper, Mace, Chillies), Ground Turmeric, Fenugreek, Ground Cardamom, Concentrated Lemon Juice.

84%

35%

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