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

The meal includes many refined components such as cornflour, rapeseed oil, and various spice extracts, and it is formulated with food‑grade additives like curcumin (E100) for colour and paprika extract (E160c). The presence of these industrial ingredients and processing steps places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

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

With 2.09 g of sugars and 0.52 g of salt per 100 g, the product is lower in both sugar and sodium than many ready meals, making it a more suitable occasional choice for diabetes or hypertension when consumed in controlled portions, but it should still be counted within daily limits.

Is the milk present in this product a concern for people with dairy allergy or lactose intolerance?

Yes. The ingredient list includes yogurt powder, skimmed milk and yogurt, all of which contain dairy proteins and lactose, so the product is not safe for individuals who are allergic to milk or who avoid lactose.

Tesco • 400 g

Chicken Jalfrezi with Pilau Rice

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Chicken Jalfrezi with Pilau Rice is a composite one‑dish meal that combines spiced chicken, pilau rice and a variety of vegetables. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B, indicating a relatively favorable balance of protein and low saturated fat, but it is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and contains additives such as curcumin (E100) and paprika extract (E160c) as well as palm oil, which lowers its overall sustainability profile. The product provides moderate protein (6.6 g per 100 g) and fiber while keeping sugar (2.09 g) and salt (0.52 g) levels below many comparable ready meals, yet it includes dairy and soy allergens that may restrict some diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0.1 g

Fruits & Vegetables37.3 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar ready‑meal dishes, this chicken Jalfrezi with pilau rice contains about 35 % fewer calories, roughly half the fat and salt, and a modestly lower protein content.

Ingredients

Cooked Pilau Rice [Water, Basmati Rice, Rapeseed Oil, Cumin Seed, Salt, Concentrated Lemon Juice, Cardamom Pods, Cardamom Powder, Bay Leaf Powder, Colour (Curcumin)], Cooked Marinated Chicken Breast (21%) [Chicken Breast, Tomato Purée, Ginger Purée, Garlic Purée, Cornflour, Water, Salt, Soya Oil, Yogurt Powder (Milk), Green Chilli Purée, Palm Oil, Chilli Powder, Yogurt (Milk), Skimmed Milk, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Colour (Paprika Extract), Ginger Powder, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Mace, Fenugreek, Star Anise, Turmeric, Basil], Onion, Tomato, Water, Red Pepper, Tomato Purée, Rapeseed Oil, Ginger Purée, Garlic Purée, Sugar, Green Chilli, Coriander Powder, Coriander Leaf, Paprika, Lemon Juice, Cumin Powder, Cornflour, Salt, Turmeric Powder, Colour (Paprika Extract), Cumin Seed, Chilli Powder, Fenugreek, Cardamom Powder, Bay Leaf Powder, Fennel, Clove Powder, Cinnamon Powder, Cardamom, Black Pepper. Made using Thai chicken.

84%

35%

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