Waitrose

BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE

Barcode 5000169619735

Yes — BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because the ingredient list includes industrial additives: modified maize starch and colour (paprika extract). According to the NOVA classification and the provided rules, these extracted/modified ingredients are considered UPF and therefore make the overall product UPF, even though many other ingredients (cream, butter, spices, tomato, etc.) are minimally processed.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

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

single cream (milk) (11%)
OK

concentrated tomato purée (3%)
OK

unsalted butter (milk) (3 %)
UPF

modified maize starch

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

dried onions (24) sugar
OK

rapeseed oil

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

tomatoes (2.0%)
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
OK

ginger purée

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

ground almonds (1.0%)
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

salt

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

ground ginger

Powdered ginger root used as a spice and flavoring.
OK

ground cumin

A spice made from dried, ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum. Warm, earthy, slightly citrusy flavor commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.
OK

ground paprika

A ground spice made from dried peppers, used for color and flavor.
OK

acidity regulator (lactic acid, citric acid)
OK

ground anamon
OK

ground cardamom

Ground cardamom is the finely crushed form of whole cardamom pods, offering warm, sweet, and spicy notes.
UPF

colour (paprika extract)

Natural color additive derived from paprika used to impart a red-orange hue in foods.
OK

ground smoked paprika

Powdered spice made from dried, smoke-cured peppers. A basic single-ingredient spice used for seasoning; not an ultra-processed ingredient.
OK

ground chilli pepper

Ground dried red chili peppers, varying in heat (capsicum species), used to spice dishes; commonly labeled as chili powder or ground chile in some cuisines.

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Common questions about BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE

Is BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE ultra-processed?

Yes — BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE by Waitrose is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because the ingredient list includes industrial additives: modified maize starch and colour (paprika extract). According to the NOVA classification and the provided rules, these extracted/modified ingredients are considered UPF and therefore make the overall product UPF, even though many other ingredients (cream, butter, spices, tomato, etc.) are minimally processed.

Which ingredients in BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, colour (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.