Why is Tikka Paste classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The paste is made from many refined ingredients, includes added sugars, acidity regulators, preservatives and colour extracts, and undergoes extensive industrial processing, which places it in the NOVA‑4 group. Its listed additives are paprika extract (E160c), potassium sorbate (E202) and lactic acid (E270).

How does the sugar and salt content in Tikka Paste affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The paste contains 6.2 g of sugars and 0.9 g of salt per 100 g, both lower than the average condiment, so it adds modest amounts of these nutrients; however, because it still includes added sugars, people managing diabetes should count it toward their daily limit, and those with hypertension should use it sparingly to keep overall salt intake low.

Is Tikka Paste suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or other strict diets?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, making the paste vegetarian and technically vegan, although the lactic acid (E270) can be derived from dairy; no gluten‑containing grains are present, so it is safe for gluten‑free diets, but it is not formally certified vegan.

Tesco • 200g

Tikka Paste

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Tikka Paste is a vegetarian tikka curry condiment belonging to the Dressings and sauces family. Per 100 g it provides 118 kcal, 5.2 g fat (moderate), 2.2 g saturated fat (moderate), 12.2 g carbohydrates, 6.2 g sugars (moderate and lower than the average condiment), 0.9 g salt (moderate and well below the average), 5.5 g fiber (high) and 2.9 g protein, earning it a Nutri‑Score of C and a NOVA‑4 (ultra‑processed) classification. The paste is high in vegetable ingredients and fiber, but it contains added sugars and several food additives (E160c, E202, E270), reflecting both its convenience and its processed nature.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal118 kcal

Fat5.2 g

Saturated Fat2.2 g

Carbohydrates12.2 g

Sugars6.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average condiment, this tikka paste contains considerably less sugar (6.2 g vs 10.95 g) and salt (0.9 g vs 5.02 g) while its fat and calorie levels are similar to the category norm.

Ingredients

Water, Tomato Purée (30%), Tomato (5%), Paprika, Ground Coriander (5%), Coriander (3%), Coconut (2.5%), Sugar, Onion Powder, Ginger Purée, Turmeric, Rapeseed Oil, Cumin, Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Chilli Powder, Salt, Fenugreek, Cardamom, Dried Garlic, Potassium Chloride, Black Pepper, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Colour (Paprika Extract), Flavouring, Maltodextrin. Suitable for vegetarians

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