Why is Thai Red Chicken Curry & Fragrant Rice classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is made from multiple industrial ingredients such as refined cornflour, rapeseed oil, demerara sugar and a complex spice blend, all of which are prepared, combined and packaged in a factory, meeting the definition of ultra‑processed foods; the only listed additive is a colour (E160c, paprika extract), but other processing steps like fish‑sauce extraction and ingredient isolates also contribute to its NOVA 4 status.

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

With only 1.8 g of sugar per 100 g, the meal is low‑carbohydrate for sugar‑sensitive individuals, but it still provides 0.54 g of salt per 100 g, which can add up quickly in a daily diet and may be a concern for people managing hypertension.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like Vegan, Keto, Halal, or Gluten‑Free?

No, the dish contains chicken, shrimp and fish sauce, so it is not vegan and is unlikely to meet halal standards without specific certification; its carbohydrate level (approximately 15 g per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for a strict keto diet, and although rice is naturally gluten‑free, the label warns of possible gluten traces, so it cannot be guaranteed gluten‑free.

Charlie Bigham's

Thai Red Chicken Curry & Fragrant Rice

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Thai Red Chicken Curry & Fragrant Rice is a ready‑to‑eat meal that falls under the "Cereals and potatoes" PNNS group, combining cooked rice with chicken, shrimp, coconut and a blend of Thai aromatics. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as NOVA 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature and the presence of a colour additive (E160c) as well as added sugars and salt. While the portion provides modest protein and low sugar, it is relatively high in saturated fat and contains multiple allergens such as crustaceans, fish and soy, which may limit its suitability for certain diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal74 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average ready‑meal values, this curry contains far less sugar (1.8 g vs 9 g), salt (0.54 g vs 2.96 g), saturated fat (3.66 g vs 165.82 g) and calories (74 kcal vs 353 kcal), but also provides lower protein (6.5 g vs 9.76 g) and fiber (1.2 g vs 5.05 g).

Ingredients

Cooked rice (water, rice), chicken (18%), coconut, water, onions, rapeseed oil, bamboo shoots, edamame beans (soya), lemon juice, ginger purée, demerara sugar, fish sauce (anchovy extract (fish), salt, sugar), lime leaves, cornflour, lime juice, lemongrass, garlic purée, salt, galangal, red chillies, basil, garlic, coriander, shallots, dried red chillies, paprika, ground cumin, makrut lime peel, white pepper, ground coriander, ground fennel seeds, sunflower oil, ground cardamom, shrimp (crustaceans), coriander seed, ground star anise, colour: paprika extract, ground turmeric, curry powder (coriander seed, turmeric, cumin, fennel seed, galangal), cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg.

84%

35%

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