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

The product combines many refined and prepared components such as cornflour, rapeseed oil, mango chutney and a spice blend, and it includes two listed additives: E160c (paprika extract) for colour and E260 (acetic acid) as an acidity regulator, which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

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

With 2.46 g of sugar per 100 g, the dish provides a modest amount of added sugar that may be acceptable for controlled diabetic meal plans, while its salt level is extremely low (0.00065 g per 100 g), making it suitable for hypertension‑friendly diets, though the overall calorie and fat content should still be considered.

Based on the ingredient list, is this product suitable for strict diets like vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free?

No, the meal is not vegan because it contains chicken, double cream, milk and butter, and it is not keto due to the high carbohydrate content from rice. Gluten‑free status is likely, as no wheat‑based ingredients appear, but halal suitability cannot be confirmed without information on the slaughter method of the chicken.

Charlie Bigham's • 403g

Chicken Tikka Masala and Pilau Rice

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Chicken Tikka Masala and Pilau Rice is a ready‑to‑eat composite food marketed as a one‑dish meal containing chicken, rice and a creamy tikka masala sauce. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature, with added sugar, dairy allergens and a moderate level of saturated fat, while providing about 7 g of protein and 1.4 g of fibre per 100 g. The product also receives an Eco‑Score of F (12), indicating a low sustainability performance due to its packaging and ingredient sourcing.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal178 kcal

Fat8.1 g

Saturated Fat3.7 g

Carbohydrates18.4 g

Sugars2.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average ready‑meal values, this dish contains lower sugar and salt but higher total fat, saturated fat and energy, while delivering slightly less fibre and protein than typical products.

Ingredients

Cooked rice (water, rice), chicken (19%), onions, double cream (milk), milk, butter (milk), rapeseed oil, tomato purée, mango chutney (sugar, mangoes, salt, acidity regulator: acetic acid, cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger), ginger, lemon juice, garlic, ground spices (coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, fenugreek, cayenne pepper, turmeric, chillies, black pepper, cinnamon, dill, ginger, cardamom, cloves), cornflour, red chillies, salt, nigella seeds, parsley, lime pickle (lime, water, sunflower oil, salt, green chillies, chilli powder, acidity regulator: acetic acid, split mustard, cumin, turmeric), mustard seeds, coriander seeds, colour: paprika extract.

84%

35%

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