Yes — Tikka Masala is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed thickener/additive and considered a UPF ingredient under the NOVA classification system. Other ingredients are mostly minimally processed or culinary ingredients (tomatoes, onion, oils, dairy, spices, honey, sugar), but the presence of modified maize starch is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Tomato Ketchup
Sainsbury's, By Sainsbury's
Not UPF
PREMIUM SOY SAUCE
LEE KUM KEE
Not UPF
Apricot Jam
Bonne Maman
Not UPF
Buttersoft
By sainsbury's
Not UPF
Frank's Red Hot Original
Frank’s, French's
Not UPF
Red pepper houmous
Tesco
Not UPF
Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Houmous
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Houmous
Waitrose Duchy Organic
Not UPF
Whole Grain Mustard
Bramwells
Not UPF
Lemon curd
Bonne Maman
Not UPF
Yes — Tikka Masala by Loyd Grossman is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains modified maize starch, which is an industrially processed thickener/additive and considered a UPF ingredient under the NOVA classification system. Other ingredients are mostly minimally processed or culinary ingredients (tomatoes, onion, oils, dairy, spices, honey, sugar), but the presence of modified maize starch is sufficient to classify the overall product as UPF.
Nomi flags one ingredient in Tikka Masala as an ultra-processed marker: modified maize starch. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.
Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Tikka masala simmer sauce by Biona Organic, Tailor Original Tikka Masala by The Spice Tailor, Tikka Masala Curry Paste by Geo Organics. See the healthier alternatives above for details.
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.