Yes — Chicken Tikka Masala & Pilau Rice is ultra-processed.
The dish contains ultra-processed components such as mango chutney and lime pickle, which include additives like acidity regulator (acetic acid) and are industrially formulated condiments. These UPF ingredients make the overall product ultra-processed.
Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Caribbean Rice & Peas Basmati Rice
Tilda
Not UPF
Spinach, Buffalo Ricotta, Pine Nuts Girasoli
Tesco
Not UPF
FRESH EGG PASTA TAGLIATELLE
Sainsbury's
Not UPF
Gnocchis tomato & mozzarella
Giovanni Rana
Not UPF
Basil and Pine Nut Ravioli
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference
Not UPF
Pumpkin & Pine Nuts Girasoli
Aldi Specially Selected
Not UPF
Dell' Ugo
Dell Ugh
Not UPF
Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Tortellini
Plants
Not UPF
Beef Lasagne
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
Pan-Fry Gnocchi
Rana
Not UPF
Yes — Chicken Tikka Masala & Pilau Rice by Charlie Bigham's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The dish contains ultra-processed components such as mango chutney and lime pickle, which include additives like acidity regulator (acetic acid) and are industrially formulated condiments. These UPF ingredients make the overall product ultra-processed.
Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Chicken Tikka Masala & Pilau Rice as ultra-processed markers: mango chutney, lime pickle. 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.