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

The sauce includes refined ingredients such as modified starch, added sugar, lactic acid (E270) as an acidity regulator, and paprika extract (E160c) for colour, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods; the combination of multiple processed dairy components, emulsified oils and flavour enhancers also drives its NOVA 4 rating.

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

With 4.1 g of sugar per 100 g, the sauce adds a modest amount of carbs that can fit into a controlled‑carb plan, but it still contributes to total daily sugar intake and should be used sparingly. The 0.57 g of salt (0.23 g sodium) is relatively low for a sauce, yet it adds to overall sodium consumption, so people managing high blood pressure should monitor portion size.

Is the milk in this sauce a concern for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergy?

Yes. The formulation contains single cream, whole milk, skimmed milk powder and yogurt, providing both milk proteins and lactose; therefore it is unsuitable for anyone with a milk allergy and may cause discomfort for those who are lactose intolerant.

Waitrose • 450 g

Tikka masala sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Tikka masala sauce is a 450 g ready‑to‑use condiment from Waitrose, classified in the Fat and sauces / Dressings and sauces group. It provides modest energy at 80 kcal per 100 g, with low sugar (4.1 g), low fat (4.6 g), low saturated fat (1.1 g) and low salt (0.57 g, 0.23 g sodium), while offering 1.3 g protein and 2 g fiber. However, it is an ultra‑processed product (NOVA 4) containing dairy, added sugars, a colour extract (E160c) and an acidity regulator (E270), and its Nutri‑Score of C reflects a moderate overall nutritional quality.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal80 kcal

Fat4.6 g

Saturated Fat1.1 g

Carbohydrates7.4 g

Sugars4.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average Indian sauce, this Tikka masala sauce contains far less sugar (4.1 g vs 10.95 g), fat (4.6 g vs 12.01 g), saturated fat (1.1 g vs 2.14 g) and salt (0.57 g vs 5.02 g) per 100 g, delivering only 80 kcal versus the category average of 183 kcal.

Ingredients

Water, single cream (milk) (7%), tomatoes (6%), yogurt (4%) (whole milk, skimmed milk powder), concentrated tomato purée (3%), modified maine starch, sugar, rapeseed oil, dried onions, dried coriander leaf (1.0%), ginger purée, garlic purée, ground coriander (1.0%), ground paprika, salt, ground smoked paprika, acidity regulator (lactic acid), ground cumin, ground turmeric ground fenugreek (0.2%), colour (paprika extract), ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, ground fennel, ground chilli, ground clove, dried fenugreek leaf ALLERGY ADVICE: For allergens see ingredients in bold. May also contain peanuts and nuts

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