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Yes — Chicken Tikka Masala is ultra-processed.
The product is classified as UPF because it contains several ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including modified maize starch (a chemically modified starch used as a thickener/stabilizer), acidity regulator (citric acid), and colour (paprika extract). It also contains palm oil in the marinated chicken pieces, which is a highly refined oil. According to NOVA, the presence of such industrial additives and refined ingredients places this product in the ultra-processed food category, even though many of the other ingredients are minimally processed or culinary ingredients.
Other ready meals Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.
Basmati
Ben's
Not UPF
Rice noodles chick-n ramen
Itsu
Not UPF
Pasta, Spinach & Pine Kernels
Marks & Spencer
Not UPF
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
Yes — Chicken Tikka Masala by The Gym Kitchen is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as UPF because it contains several ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including modified maize starch (a chemically modified starch used as a thickener/stabilizer), acidity regulator (citric acid), and colour (paprika extract). It also contains palm oil in the marinated chicken pieces, which is a highly refined oil. According to NOVA, the presence of such industrial additives and refined ingredients places this product in the ultra-processed food category, even though many of the other ingredients are minimally processed or culinary ingredients.
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.