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

The sauce combines several industrially processed components, modified maize starch, whey protein concentrate, salted butter, cream and a blend of spices, along with added acids (citric acid, E330) and colour (paprika extract, E160c). Such a mixture of refined ingredients and additives places it in the NOVA 4 ultra‑processed category.

How does the salt content in this sauce affect a hypertensive diet?

With 0.72 g of salt per 100 g (about 0.3 % sodium), the sauce contains less salt than the average curry sauce, but a typical serving still contributes to daily sodium intake. Individuals managing high blood pressure should use it sparingly to stay within the recommended 5 g of salt per day.

Is Butter Chicken sauce suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free diets?

The product is not vegan because it includes dairy ingredients (cream, butter, whey protein). It is not strictly keto-friendly due to 8.2 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. Halal suitability depends on the source of the dairy, which is not specified. No wheat or gluten‑containing ingredients are listed, so it is likely gluten‑free, though cross‑contamination cannot be ruled out.

Sharwoods • 420 g

Butter Chicken

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Butter Chicken sauce is a pre‑packed curry sauce marketed by Sharwoods and falls under the “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces” categories of the French PNNS classification. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is categorized as NOVA 4, reflecting its use of processed ingredients such as modified maize starch, whey protein concentrate and added acids, while delivering moderate levels of fat (7.2 g/100 g), low sugars (4.9 g/100 g) and a moderate salt content (0.72 g/100 g). The formulation is vegetarian but contains dairy (cream, butter, whey), lists milk as an allergen and therefore is unsuitable for vegans or those avoiding dairy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars2.7 g

Fruits & Vegetables43.6 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average curry sauce, this Butter Chicken sauce contains roughly half the fat, sugar and salt and provides about 44% fewer calories per 100 g, though it also supplies less protein and fiber than typical products.

Ingredients

Water, Tomatoes (19%), Rapeseed Oil, Tomato Purée (4%), Modified Maize Starch, Cream (Milk), Fried Onion (3%) (Onions, Rapeseed Oil), Onion, Sugar, Salted Butter ( 2.5%) (Milk), Ginger Purée, Ground Spices, Salt, Garlic Purée, Whey Protein Concentrate (from Milk), Acid (Citric Acid), Dried Fenugreek Leaf, Coriander, Caraway Seeds, Colour (Paprika Extract). May also contain sesame.

84%

35%

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