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

The sauce includes several industrial ingredients such as modified corn starch, added sugars, a paprika‑derived colour (E160c), an acidity regulator (lactic acid, E270) and a whey‑protein concentrate, all of which contribute to its NOVA 4 classification as an ultra‑processed food.

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

With 6.7 g of sugars per 100 g, the sauce adds a moderate amount of carbohydrate that can raise blood glucose levels, so diabetics should use it sparingly. The 0.7 g of salt (moderate) contributes to daily sodium intake, which may elevate blood pressure, making it less suitable for hypertension without portion control.

Based on the ingredients, is this sauce suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The sauce contains yogurt, thick cream and whey‑protein concentrate, so it is not vegan. Its carbohydrate content of 9.9 g per 100 g is relatively high for a strict keto diet. It contains dairy, which may be acceptable for many halal consumers but requires confirmation of the whey source. No wheat‑derived ingredients are listed, so it is likely gluten‑free, though cross‑contamination cannot be ruled out.

Sharwood's • 420g

Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Sharwood's Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce is a 420 g Indian‑style condiment that combines tomatoes, yogurt, thick cream, coconut cream and a blend of spices to create a ready‑to‑use curry sauce. Per 100 g it provides 114 kcal, 7 g of fat (3 g saturated), 1.8 g protein, 1.9 g fiber, 6.7 g sugars and 0.7 g salt, earning a Nutri‑Score of C and being classified in the PNNS groups “Fat and sauces” and “Dressings and sauces”. The product is ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), contains added sugar, a paprika‑derived colour (E160c), a acidity regulator (E270) and other additives, and lists milk as an allergen despite the “no preservatives, no colourings” claim.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal114 kcal

Fat7 g

Saturated Fat3 g

Carbohydrates9.9 g

Sugars6.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average Indian‑style sauces, this Tikka Masala sauce is lower in calories, total fat, sugars and salt, but has a higher saturated‑fat level and slightly less protein.

Ingredients

Eau, tomates (32 %), yaourt (9 %) (lait), sucre, crème liquide épaisse (3,5%) (lait), amidon de mais modifié, oignon, huile de colza, créme de noix de coco, purée de gingembre, purée d'ail, noix de coco déshydratée, cumin moulu, graines de coriandre moulues, coriandre, sel, épices moulues, concentré de protéine de lactosérum (á partir de lait), jus de citron concentré, correcteur d'acidité (acide lactique), colorant (extrait de paprika). Pour les allergènes, voir les ingrédients en gras. Peut contenir du sésame. SANS COLORANTS NICONSERVATEURS ARTIFICIELS SANS GLUTAMATE MONOSODIQUE AJOUTE.

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