Tesco

Red Thai Curry Paste

Barcode 5057545735527

Scanned 18 times by Nomi users

Yes — Red Thai Curry Paste is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified maize starch, flavourings, and maltodextrin, which are industrial additives used as thickeners, stabilizers, or flavour enhancers. According to NOVA, the presence of such industrial formulations and additives makes the product ultra-processed.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

ingredients water
OK

red pepper

Red pepper, a ripe form of Capsicum annuum; used fresh or cooked to add sweetness and heat.
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

red chilli (5%)
OK

lemongrass

A tall, aromatic grass with citrusy notes used fresh or dried in soups, curries, and teas.
OK

garlic purée

Pureed garlic, often used as a flavoring base.
UPF

modified maize starch

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

kaffir lime leaf
OK

tamarind concentrate

A concentrated paste derived from tamarind fruit, used as a souring agent and flavor enhancer in sauces, curries, and chutneys.
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

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

coriander leaf

Coriander leaves (cilantro) from the Coriandrum sativum plant, used fresh or dried for aroma and garnish.
UPF

colour (paprika extract)

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

rapeseed oil

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

potassium chloride

Mineral salt used as a salt substitute in food. A basic inorganic ingredient commonly used for seasoning or fortification; not ultra-processed.
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.

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Common questions about Red Thai Curry Paste

Is Red Thai Curry Paste ultra-processed?

Yes — Red Thai Curry Paste by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed (UPF) because it contains modified maize starch, flavourings, and maltodextrin, which are industrial additives used as thickeners, stabilizers, or flavour enhancers. According to NOVA, the presence of such industrial formulations and additives makes the product ultra-processed.

Which ingredients in Red Thai Curry Paste are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Red Thai Curry Paste as ultra-processed markers: modified maize starch, colour (paprika extract), flavourings, maltodextrin. 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.