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Tikka masala paste by Waitrose
Waitrose

Tikka masala paste

Barcode 5000169615737
Scanned  12  times by Nomi users
Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

Yes — Tikka masala paste is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains the additives acidity regulator (citric acid) and yeast extract, which are pre-identified UPF ingredients. Other ingredients are mostly culinary ingredients and spices, but the presence of these specific additives makes the overall product UPF according to the given criteria.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers
  • OK
    tomato purée
    A tomato-based concentrate obtained by cooking down tomatoes, commonly used as a base or seasoning in dishes.
  • OK
    water
    Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
  • OK
    onion purée
    A smooth paste made from onions, used to add sweetness and body to dishes.
  • OK
    creamed coconut (6%)
  • OK
    c purée (5%)
  • OK
    ginger purée
    Pureed ginger root, used as a flavor paste in cooking.
  • OK
    ground coriander
    A spice ground from the dried seeds of Coriandrum sativum. Bright, citrusy, warm flavor widely used in spice blends and curries.
  • OK
    sugar
    Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
  • OK
    rapeseed oil
    A basic culinary oil pressed from rapeseeds (Brassica napus). Used for frying, baking, and dressings. Neutral flavor.
  • OK
    papria
  • OK
    maize starch
    Fine white powder obtained from corn; used as a thickener in sauces and soups.
  • OK
    salt
    Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
  • UPF
    onion juice concentrate
    Juice concentrated from onions, used as a flavoring or base for soups, sauces, and savory products.
  • 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
    citric acid
    A natural organic acid used to balance acidity and preserve foods; a common food additive.
  • UPF
    yeast extract
    A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
  • 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
    dried fenugreek
  • OK
    onion extract (salt, sunflower oil, onion oil)
  • 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
    toasted onion powder
  • OK
    cassia (chinese cinnamon)
    Bark from Cinnamomum cassia, closely related to true cinnamon with a strong, sweet-spicy flavor; used ground or as sticks in baking and savory dishes.
  • OK
    ginger
    A pungent, aromatic rhizome used fresh or dried in cooking and beverages.
  • OK
    cumin
    A warm, earthy spice from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, common in spice blends.
  • OK
    allspice
    A dried berry spice with warm, clove-like flavor often used in spice blends, marinades, and baked goods.
  • OK
    cloves
    Dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum, with a warm, pungent, sweet-spicy flavor used whole or ground in spice blends and dishes.
  • OK
    nutmeg
    A fragrant spice ground from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans tree, used to flavor sweet and savory dishes in small amounts.
  • OK
    dill
    Fragrant herb used to flavor dishes and pickles; delicate fronds and seeds.
  • OK
    fennel
    A flavorful, aromatic herb with feathery leaves and a bulbous base, used as an herb or vegetable in cooking.
  • OK
    mace
    The lacy aril (red covering) of the nutmeg seed, dried and ground for a warm, aromatic, spicy flavor.
  • OK
    black pepper
    A common spice made from dried peppercorns of the Piper nigrum plant, used to add pungent heat and aroma to dishes.

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Common questions about Tikka masala paste

Is Tikka masala paste ultra-processed?

Yes — Tikka masala paste by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains the additives acidity regulator (citric acid) and yeast extract, which are pre-identified UPF ingredients. Other ingredients are mostly culinary ingredients and spices, but the presence of these specific additives makes the overall product UPF according to the given criteria.

Which ingredients in Tikka masala paste are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Tikka masala paste as ultra-processed markers: onion juice concentrate, yeast 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.

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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.

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