Chicken tikka masala
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
4
0 we grade moderate or higher
2 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
5.20g
Medium
UK FSA front of pack threshold
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (4)
This label lists 2 colours, 1 acidity regulator and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E100
Curcumin
Yellow colour
What it is. The yellow pigment from turmeric root.
Why it is used. Colours mustards, sauces, dairy, confectionery and savoury snacks.
What the evidence says. A plant pigment people have eaten as a spice for a very long time, and regulators treat it as safe with an acceptable daily intake. EFSA noted that children who eat a lot of the foods it is used in could approach that intake, which is a reason to watch total use rather than a sign of harm.
Permitted with maximum levels in the foods where it is allowed.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E100
E330
Citric acid
Acidity regulator
What it is. A mild acid found naturally in citrus fruit, made commercially by fermentation.
Why it is used. Adds tartness, balances flavour and helps preserve. One of the most used additives in food.
What the evidence says. Safe at food levels. No credible health concern for the additive itself.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E330
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E160C Paprika extract, capsanthin colour
- E412 Guar gum thickener
Names and jobs come from the register of additives permitted in Great Britain, which we have not finished transcribing: a code shown without a name is a gap in our coverage, not a finding that it is unapproved. Naming one is not grading it either. Full detail appears only where we have an assessment against a named authority, so all of this describes our coverage rather than these additives. Most are common and low concern.
Ingredients
44% Cooked Pilau Rice (Water, Basmati Rice, Butter (Milk), Cumin Seeds, Salt, Ground Turmeric), 36% Tikka Masala Sauce (Single Cream (Milk), Water, Onion, Concentrated Tomato Purée, Onion Purée, Rapeseed Oil, Garlic Purée, Ginger Purée, Sugar, Cashew Purée, Tandoori Masala Powder [Ground Coriander, iodised Salt (Salt, iodine), Ground Cumin, Ground Cinnamon, Sugar, Ground Chilli, Dried Lemon Juice, Ground Celery, Ground Cardamom, Dried Garlic, Dried Onion, Ground Black Pepper, Ground Ginger, Ground Bay Leaf, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid; Ground Clove, Ground Fenugreek, Colours: Paprika Extract, Curcumin; Natural Lemon Flavouring, Salt, Green Chilli Purée, Coriander, Ground Coriander, Cornflour, Dried Turmeric, Dried Cumin, Dried Chilli, Garam Masala [Ground Coriander, Ground Cumin, Ground Ginger, Ground Cassia, Ground Black Pepper, Ground Cloves], Ground Fenugreek Leaf, Lemon Oil), 20% Cooked Chicken Tikka Pieces (95% Chicken Breast, Dextrose, Sugar, Ground Spices [Coriander, Cumin, Cayenne, Black Pepper, Allspice], Dried Tomato, Cornflour, Dried Whey (Milk), Thickening Agent: Guar Gum; Dried Garlic, Salt, Beetroot Extract, Paprika Extract, Turmeric Extract, Dried Coriander, Dried Parsley, Flavouring).
As printed on the pack, in the producer's own order: ingredients are listed by weight, so what comes first is most of what is in it. E numbers link to their assessment where we have one.