Aldi

Tikka masala

Barcode 4088600054421

Scanned 22 times by Nomi users

Yes — Tikka masala is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients/additives. In particular, modified maize starch and paprika extract are pre-identified UPF ingredients. It also includes generic flavouring and anti-caking agents (calcium phosphates, silicon dioxide), which are industrial additives. These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and therefore place the product in the UPF category according to the NOVA criteria.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

tomato (16%)
OK

single cream (13%) (milk)
OK

yogurt (milk)

A fermented dairy product made from milk with lactic acid bacteria cultures. Common as a breakfast or ingredient in dishes.
OK

onion (10%)
OK

tomato paste (10%)
OK

spice cap seasoning (3%) (rice flour, paprika powder, cumin powder, sugar, coriander powder, cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, anti-caking agents: calcium phosphates, silicon dioxide, fenugreek powder, clove powder, paprika extract, flavouring)
OK

rapeseed oil

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

ginger purée

A smooth paste made from ginger, used to impart ginger flavor in sauces and dishes.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

garlic puree

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

modified maize starch

A processed starch, often used as a thickener or binding agent in foods; may be treated to modify properties.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
OK

coriander leaf

Coriander leaves (cilantro) from the Coriandrum sativum plant, used fresh or dried for aroma and garnish.
OK

lemon juice concentrate

Lemon juice that has been concentrated by removing water; used as a souring agent or flavoring in foods.
OK

paprika powder

Ground dried red paprika peppers used as a spice to add color and mild to moderate heat.
OK

lactic acid

A common food additive used to regulate acidity in beverages and processed foods.
OK

turmeric powder

A bright-orange, finely ground spice from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, used for color and flavor in many cuisines; commonly used in curry blends and as a seasoning.
OK

chilli powder

Ground dried chili peppers used as a spice to add heat and flavor in dishes. It is a basic single-ingredient spice.
OK

cumin powder

Ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum, a warm, earthy spice used in various cuisines.
UPF

paprika extract

Concentrated flavor ingredient derived from paprika (capsicum) used to impart paprika flavor without the physical pepper pieces.
OK

allergy advice: for allergens
OK

see ingredients in bold
OK

may also contain peanuts
OK

nuts and mustard

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Common questions about Tikka masala

Is Tikka masala ultra-processed?

Yes — Tikka masala by Aldi is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. This product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains several industrial ingredients/additives. In particular, modified maize starch and paprika extract are pre-identified UPF ingredients. It also includes generic flavouring and anti-caking agents (calcium phosphates, silicon dioxide), which are industrial additives. These go beyond basic culinary ingredients and therefore place the product in the UPF category according to the NOVA criteria.

Which ingredients in Tikka masala are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Tikka masala as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, paprika extract. 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.