Tesco

Tesco Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce 500G

Barcode 5050179079791

Scanned 23 times by Nomi users

Yes — Tesco Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce 500G is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product contains modified maize starch, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient. It also includes several acidity regulators (lactic acid, acetic acid) and colour (paprika extract), which are industrial additives. Because it contains modified maize starch and these additives, it must be classified as ultra-processed according to the NOVA system.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

ingredients water
OK

tomato

A common fleshy fruit/vegetable used as a fresh or cooked ingredient; high in water and various nutrients.
OK

tomato purée

A tomato-based concentrate obtained by cooking down tomatoes, commonly used as a base or seasoning in dishes.
OK

onion

A bulb vegetable with a pungent, savory flavor base for many dishes. Used fresh, cooked, or caramelized.
OK

yogurt (milk) (7%)
OK

single cream

A light dairy cream with about 18–20% fat, commonly used in coffee or as a pouring cream in desserts.
UPF

modified maize starch

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

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

dried onion

Dried form of the onion bulb, used as a seasoning; flavor-concentrated and shelf-stable.
OK

cumin

A warm, earthy spice from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, common in spice blends.
OK

salt

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

ginger purée

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

onion purée concentrated lemon juice
OK

cardamom

A small aromatic seed (or pod) used as a spice with a strong, sweet, floral and citrusy aroma.
OK

acidity regulators (lactic acid, acetic acid)
OK

paprika

A ground spice made from dried red peppers (Capsicum species), used for color and flavor in many cuisines.
OK

colour (paprika extract turmeric, ginger powder, chilli powder, cinnamon, dried fenugreek leaf, dried garlic, fenugreek, garlic powder cumin seed, fennel, clove, black pepper, black onion seed 500g allergy advice for allergens, see ingredients in bold. suitable for vegetarians)

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Common questions about Tesco Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce 500G

Is Tesco Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce 500G ultra-processed?

Yes — Tesco Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce 500G by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product contains modified maize starch, which is a pre-identified UPF ingredient. It also includes several acidity regulators (lactic acid, acetic acid) and colour (paprika extract), which are industrial additives. Because it contains modified maize starch and these additives, it must be classified as ultra-processed according to the NOVA system.

Which ingredients in Tesco Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce 500G are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Tesco Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce 500G as an ultra-processed marker: modified maize starch. 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.