Yes — Chicken Tikka Masala is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as UPF because it contains at least one ultra-processed additive according to NOVA, specifically the colour: paprika extract, which is an extracted and isolated additive used for colouring. All other ingredients are either whole foods or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of this colour additive is sufficient to classify the overall product as ultra-processed.
Other meat & poultry Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Beef Lasagne
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Chicken, Mushroom and Rice Soup
M&S Food
Not UPF
Thai green chicken curry
Charlie Bigham's
Not UPF
Thai Red Chicken Curry & Fragrant Rice
Charlie Bigham's
Not UPF
Japanese Style Chicken Curry with rice
MYPROTEIN
Not UPF
Beef Lasagne
By sainsbury's
Not UPF
Yes — Chicken Tikka Masala by M&S Food is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as UPF because it contains at least one ultra-processed additive according to NOVA, specifically the colour: paprika extract, which is an extracted and isolated additive used for colouring. All other ingredients are either whole foods or basic culinary ingredients, but the presence of this colour additive is sufficient to classify the overall product as ultra-processed.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Chicken Tikka Masala as an ultra-processed marker: paprika extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
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.
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.
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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.