M&S Food

Butter Chicken

Barcode 00481502

Scanned 16 times by Nomi users

Yes — Butter Chicken is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains at least one ingredient that is considered an ultra-processed additive according to NOVA. In particular, it contains colour: paprika extract, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient. In addition, it includes isolated starches (cornflour, tapioca starch, rice starch) and bamboo fibre, which are extracted/isolated industrial ingredients rather than whole foods.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

chicken breast (50%)
OK

single cream milk (35%)
OK

tomato paste (10%)
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

unsalted butter milk (2.5%)
OK

rapeseed oil

A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
OK

honey

A natural sweet viscous liquid produced by bees from floral nectar; widely used as a sweetener in foods.
OK

garlic puree

A simple mashed garlic cloves, sometimes with a small amount of oil or salt; used as a flavoring or base ingredient.
OK

coriander (cilantro seeds)

Dried seeds of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum). Warm, citrusy flavor used ground or as whole seeds in spice blends and curries.
OK

ginger

A pungent, aromatic rhizome used fresh or dried in cooking and beverages.
OK

yogurt milk cornflour
OK

tapioca starch

Starch extracted from cassava (tapioca root), used as a thickener and binder.
OK

lemon juice salt
OK

red chilli puree

A puree made from red chilies, usually used to add heat and color.
OK

ginger puree

Pureed ginger, a single-ingredient flavoring derived from fresh ginger.
OK

rice starch

Starch derived from rice used as a thickener or anti-caking agent in foods.
OK

ground garam masala (roasted coriander, roasted cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, kashmiri chilli powder, black pepper, green cardamom, cloves, bay leaves)
OK

ground fenugreek seeds
UPF

paprika extract

A concentrated pigment derived from paprika used as a colorant in foods.
OK

ground coriander

A spice ground from the dried seeds of Coriandrum sativum. Bright, citrusy, warm flavor widely used in spice blends and curries.
UPF

bamboo fibre

Plant-based fiber extracted from bamboo, used as a texture-improving ingredient or functional fiber in foods.
OK

turmeric

A bright orange-yellow root commonly used as a spice and for its active compound curcumin, with warm, earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
OK

kashmiri chilli powder

Swap it for something less processed

See all Ready Meals →

Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Butter Chicken

Is Butter Chicken ultra-processed?

Yes — Butter Chicken by M&S Food is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains at least one ingredient that is considered an ultra-processed additive according to NOVA. In particular, it contains colour: paprika extract, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient. In addition, it includes isolated starches (cornflour, tapioca starch, rice starch) and bamboo fibre, which are extracted/isolated industrial ingredients rather than whole foods.

Which ingredients in Butter Chicken are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Butter Chicken as ultra-processed markers: paprika extract, bamboo fibre. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.