Is Best Ever Chicken Tikka Masala Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Marks And Spencer
Best Ever Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Marks And Spencer. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Cane Sugar, Demerara Sugar affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like cane sugar and cornflour, which raise quality concerns. However, it also contains natural components like smoked chicken and spices, contributing to a moderate rating.
Main concern
Presence of cane sugar and demerara sugar raises concerns about added sugars.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains smoked chicken breast, providing a source of protein and flavor.
- Incorporates a variety of spices like coriander and cumin, enhancing taste and aroma.
- Includes natural ingredients like coconut milk and yogurt, which add creaminess.
- Utilizes basmati rice, a quality grain that complements the dish.
Concerns
- Presence of cane sugar and demerara sugar raises concerns about added sugars.
- Includes cornflour, a processed thickening agent that may not be desirable.
- Contains multiple dairy ingredients, which may not suit lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Natural color from paprika extract indicates some processing, affecting overall quality.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this food.
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Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is a fundamental ingredient used for cooking basmati rice, ensuring proper texture and moisture.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
-
Is Basmati Rice safe in this food?
Good
Basmati Rice is used here as base. Basmati rice is a high-quality grain known for its aromatic flavor and fluffy texture, enhancing the dish's overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Basmati Rice
-
Is Smoked Chicken Breast safe in this food?
Good
Smoked Chicken Breast is used here as base. Smoked chicken breast adds a rich flavor profile and serves as a primary protein source in this dish.
Role in formula: base
Original: Smoked Chicken Breast
-
Is Single Cream safe in this food?
Medium
Single Cream is used here as base. Single cream adds richness and creaminess to the dish but is a dairy product that may not suit all diets.
Role in formula: base
Original: Single Cream (Milk)
-
Is Coconut Milk safe in this food?
Good
Coconut Milk is used here as base. Coconut milk contributes a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, enhancing the dish's flavor profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Coconut Milk (Coconut Extract, Water)
-
Is Onions safe in this food?
Good
Onions is used here as base. Onions provide a foundational flavor and aroma, essential in many savory dishes.
Role in formula: base
Original: Onions
-
Is Tomatoes safe in this food?
Good
Tomatoes is used here as base. Tomatoes add acidity and sweetness, balancing the flavors in the dish.
Role in formula: base
Original: Tomatoes
-
Is Rapeseed Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Rapeseed Oil is used here as base. Rapeseed oil is used for cooking and adds a neutral flavor, but it is a refined oil with some processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rapeseed Oil
-
Is Ginger Puree safe in this food?
Good
Ginger Puree is used here as flavor. Ginger purée adds a fresh, spicy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ginger Purée
-
Is Garlic Puree safe in this food?
Good
Garlic Puree is used here as flavor. Garlic purée contributes a robust flavor and aroma, essential in many savory recipes.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Purée
-
Is Low Fat Yogurt safe in this food?
Medium
Low Fat Yogurt is used here as base. Low fat yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess but may not be suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Role in formula: base
Original: Low Fat Yogurt (Milk)
-
Is Yogurt safe in this food?
Medium
Yogurt is used here as base. Yogurt provides creaminess and a slight tang, enhancing the dish's texture and flavor.
Role in formula: base
Original: Yogurt (Milk)
-
Is Butter safe in this food?
Medium
Butter is used here as base. Butter adds richness and flavor but is a dairy product that may not suit all diets.
Role in formula: base
Original: Butter (Milk)
-
Is Cornflour safe in this food?
Medium
Cornflour is used here as thickener. Cornflour is used as a thickening agent, but it is a processed ingredient that may not be desirable.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Cornflour
-
Is Sweetened Dried Cranberries safe in this food?
Medium
Sweetened Dried Cranberries is used here as sweetener. Sweetened dried cranberries add sweetness and texture but contain added sugar, raising concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sweetened Dried Cranberries (Sugar, Cranberries)
Read the full ingredient profile for Sweetened Dried Cranberries
-
Is Ground Spices safe in this food?
Good
Ground Spices is used here as flavor. Ground spices like coriander and cumin enhance flavor complexity and contribute to the dish's authenticity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ground Spices (Coriander, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Chilli Powder, Cinnamon, Cumin, Kashmiri Chilli Powder, Green Cardamom, Cloves)
-
Is Red Chillies safe in this food?
Good
Red Chillies is used here as flavor. Red chillies provide heat and depth of flavor, essential in many Indian dishes.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Red Chillies
-
Is Cane Sugar safe in this food?
Bad
Cane Sugar is used here as sweetener. Cane sugar is an added sweetener that raises concerns about excessive sugar content in the dish.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Cane Sugar
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is essential for enhancing flavor but should be consumed in moderation.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Lime Juice safe in this food?
Good
Lime Juice is used here as flavor. Lime juice adds acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Lime Juice
-
Is Coriander safe in this food?
Good
Coriander is used here as flavor. Coriander adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the spices in the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Coriander
-
Is Cumin Seeds safe in this food?
Good
Cumin Seeds is used here as flavor. Cumin seeds provide a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cumin Seeds
-
Is Wheatflour safe in this food?
Medium
Wheatflour is used here as base. Wheatflour is used as a thickening agent but is a processed ingredient that may not be desirable.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheatflour
-
Is Smoked Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Smoked Salt is used here as flavor. Smoked salt adds a unique flavor but is a processed ingredient that may not suit all diets.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Smoked Salt
-
Is Demerara Sugar safe in this food?
Bad
Demerara Sugar is used here as sweetener. Demerara sugar is another added sweetener that raises concerns about sugar content in the dish.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Demerara Sugar
-
Is Ground Garam Masala safe in this food?
Good
Ground Garam Masala is used here as flavor. Ground garam masala adds a complex flavor profile, essential in Indian cuisine.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ground Garam Masala (Roasted Coriander, Roasted Sweet Cinnamon (Cassia), Roasted Cumin Black Pepper, Green Cardamom, Mace, Cinnamon, Green Cardamom Seeds, Ginger, Fennel, Cloves, Nutmeg, Bay Leaves, Star Anise)
-
Is Whole Black Cardamom Seeds safe in this food?
Good
Whole Black Cardamom Seeds is used here as flavor. Whole black cardamom seeds provide a unique flavor and aroma, enhancing the dish's complexity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Whole Black Cardamom Seeds
-
Is Natural Colour Paprika Extract safe in this food?
Medium
Natural Colour Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is used for coloring but indicates some processing, affecting overall quality.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Natural Colour: Paprika Extract
-
Is Fenugreek Leaves safe in this food?
Good
Fenugreek Leaves is used here as flavor. Fenugreek leaves add a slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Fenugreek Leaves
-
Is Fennel Seeds safe in this food?
Good
Fennel Seeds is used here as flavor. Fennel seeds provide a sweet, anise-like flavor that enhances the dish's complexity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Fennel Seeds
-
Is Whole Green Cardamom safe in this food?
Good
Whole Green Cardamom is used here as flavor. Whole green cardamom adds a sweet, floral flavor that complements the spices in the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Whole Green Cardamom
-
Is Ground Bay Leaves safe in this food?
Good
Ground Bay Leaves is used here as flavor. Ground bay leaves add a subtle herbal flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ground Bay Leaves
-
Is Cracked Black Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Cracked Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Cracked black pepper adds heat and depth of flavor, essential in many savory dishes.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cracked Black Pepper
-
Is Cloves safe in this food?
Good
Cloves is used here as flavor. Cloves provide a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cloves
-
Is Saffron safe in this food?
Good
Saffron is used here as flavor. Saffron adds a unique flavor and color, enhancing the dish's overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Saffron
-
Is Fortified With Calcium safe in this food?
Good
Fortified With Calcium is used here as other. Fortification with calcium enhances nutritional value, contributing positively to the product's profile.
Role in formula: other
Original: Fortified with Calcium
-
Is Iron safe in this food?
Good
Iron is used here as other. Iron fortification adds nutritional benefits, supporting overall health.
Role in formula: other
Original: Iron
-
Is Vitamin B3 safe in this food?
Good
Vitamin B3 is used here as other. Vitamin B3 fortification enhances the nutritional profile, contributing positively to the product.
Role in formula: other
Original: Vitamin B3
-
Is Vitamin B1 safe in this food?
Good
Vitamin B1 is used here as other. Vitamin B1 fortification adds nutritional benefits, supporting overall health.
Role in formula: other
Original: Vitamin B1
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3574538
More from this brand: Marks And Spencer products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk , wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.