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

NOVA 4 includes foods made mostly from industrial ingredients, with multiple processing steps; this Butter Chicken contains added sugars, emulsifiers and the colour additive E160c (paprika extract) among its ingredients, which places it in the ultra‑processed category.

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

The sugar level of 4.4 g per 100 g may modestly raise blood glucose, so diabetics should monitor portion size, while the salt amount of 0.6 g is relatively low for a ready meal, making it less of a concern for hypertension but still best consumed in a balanced diet.

Is the presence of milk and cashew nuts in this Butter Chicken a concern for people with dairy or nut allergies?

Yes, the recipe lists milk (in half‑fat cream, yogurt and butter) and ground cashew nuts, both of which are recognized allergens; individuals with dairy or tree‑nut sensitivities should avoid this product.

Waitrose

Butter Chicken

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Butter Chicken is a ready‑to‑heat one‑dish meal classified under Composite foods and One‑dish meals. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating it is ultra‑processed, with a relatively high fat (8.4 g) and sugar (4.4 g) content but modest salt (0.6 g) and a good protein level (12.2 g). The product contains milk and cashew nuts, so it is unsuitable for people with dairy or nut allergies.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal145 kcal

Fat8.4 g

Saturated Fat3 g

Carbohydrates4.4 g

Sugars4.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average ready‑meal per 100 g, this Butter Chicken offers more protein (12.2 g vs 7.2 g) and higher fat (8.4 g vs 5.9 g), while its salt (0.6 g) and calories (145 kcal) are below typical values, but its sugars (4.4 g) exceed the category mean.

Ingredients

Diced chicken breast (41%), half fat cream (milk), onion, tomato paste, low fat natural yogurt (milk), unsalted butter (milk) (4%), rapeseed oil, honey, garlic purée, ginger purée, ground cashew nuts, paprika, salt, chopped coriander, ground coriander, cumin, cornflour, ground fenugreek leaf, green chilli, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, chilli powder, colour (paprika extract), mace, ground ginger, white pepper, clove, ground bay leaf, nutmeg

84%

35%

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