Why is Tikka masala paste classified as a moderately processed food (NOVA 3) and what specific additive does it contain?

The paste is made from blended vegetables, oils, spices and minor processing steps, which places it in NOVA 3; the only listed additive is citric acid (E330) used as an acidity regulator.

How does the salt content in Tikka masala paste affect a hypertensive diet?

With 1.5 g of salt per 100 g, the paste is rated high for salt, so people managing blood pressure should use it sparingly to keep daily sodium intake within recommended limits.

Is the creamed coconut ingredient a concern for individuals with coconut allergies?

Yes, the paste includes 6 % creamed coconut, so anyone allergic to coconut should avoid it.

Waitrose • 180 g

Tikka masala paste

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Tikka masala paste is a ready‑to‑use Indian‑style curry paste sold under the Waitrose brand, classified in the "Fat and sauces" group of the PNNS food classification. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is placed in NOVA group 3, indicating a moderately processed product with one listed additive (citric acid, E330). Per 100 g it provides 124 kcal, 6.2 g fat (2.9 g saturated), 8.7 g sugars, 1.5 g salt and 4.2 g fibre, offering relatively low sugar, fat and salt compared with typical sauces but a modest amount of saturated fat.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars1.8 g

Fruits & Vegetables59.6 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average Indian‑style sauce, this paste contains less sugar (8.7 g vs 10.9 g), less total fat (6.2 g vs 12.0 g) and far less salt (1.5 g vs 5.0 g) and delivers about 124 kcal instead of 183 kcal, while its saturated fat (2.9 g) is slightly above the average 2.1 g.

Ingredients

Tomato purée, water, onion purée, creamed coconut (6%), c purée (5%), ginger purée (4%), ground coriander, sugar, rapeseed oil, papria, maize starch, salt, concentrated onion juice, chilli powder, acidity regulator (citric acid), yeast extract, turmeric, dried fenugreek, onion extract (salt, sunflower oil, onion oil), coriander, toasted onion powder, cassia, ginger, cumin, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, dill, fennel, mace, black pepper

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.