Is Indian Takeaway Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Sainsbury's
Indian Takeaway is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Sainsbury's. 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 Sugar, Colour Paprika Extract affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like rapeseed oil and low fat yogurt, alongside natural spices. The presence of sugar and multiple oils raises quality concerns.
Main concern
Contains sugar, which raises concerns about unnecessary sweetness in savory dishes.
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 a variety of spices like cumin and turmeric, which are natural and contribute flavor.
- Includes cooked marinated chicken breast, providing a source of protein.
- Desiccated coconut and almonds add texture and flavor, enhancing the overall experience.
Concerns
- Contains sugar, which raises concerns about unnecessary sweetness in savory dishes.
- Multiple oils, including rapeseed oil, indicate a processed composition that may affect quality.
- Low fat yogurt is present, which may not appeal to those seeking full-fat options.
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 serves as a base ingredient, essential for cooking and hydration in the dish.
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 aroma and texture, contributing to the dish's overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Basmati Rice
-
Is Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Oil is used here as base. Oil is used for cooking, but the type is unspecified, raising concerns about quality and health implications.
Role in formula: base
Original: Oil
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Good
Salt is used here as base. Salt enhances flavor and is a common ingredient in cooking, contributing to taste without health concerns in moderation.
Role in formula: base
Original: Salt
-
Is Cumin safe in this food?
Good
Cumin is used here as flavor. Cumin is a natural spice that adds depth and warmth to the dish, recognized for its flavor profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cumin
-
Is Cardamom safe in this food?
Good
Cardamom is used here as flavor. Cardamom is a fragrant spice that enhances the dish's complexity and is valued in culinary applications.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cardamom
-
Is Turmeric safe in this food?
Good
Turmeric is used here as flavor. Turmeric is known for its vibrant color and flavor, contributing to the dish's overall appeal and authenticity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Turmeric
-
Is Clove safe in this food?
Good
Clove is used here as flavor. Clove adds a strong, aromatic flavor, enhancing the dish's profile with its unique taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Clove
-
Is Cooked Marinated Chicken Breast safe in this food?
Medium
Cooked Marinated Chicken Breast is used here as base. Cooked marinated chicken breast provides protein but includes rapeseed oil and low fat yogurt, raising processing concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cooked Marinated Chicken Breast (Chicken Breast, Rapeseed Oil, Coriander, Lemon Juice, Ginger Purée, Garlic Purée, Cumin, Low Fat Yogurt, Coriander Leaf, Green Chilli Purée, Cardamom, Paprika, Nutmeg, Clove, Nutmeg, Bay Leaf)
-
Is Onion safe in this food?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion is a foundational flavor ingredient, providing sweetness and depth to the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion
-
Is Low Fat Yogurt safe in this food?
Medium
Low Fat Yogurt is used here as base. Low fat yogurt adds creaminess but may not appeal to those preferring full-fat options, indicating processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Low Fat Yogurt
-
Is Desiccated Coconut safe in this food?
Good
Desiccated Coconut is used here as flavor. Desiccated coconut adds texture and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the dish's complexity.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Desiccated Coconut
-
Is Tomato Puree safe in this food?
Good
Tomato Puree is used here as base. Tomato purée provides acidity and depth of flavor, commonly used in many savory dishes.
Role in formula: base
Original: Tomato Purée
-
Is Red Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Red Pepper is used here as flavor. Red pepper contributes sweetness and color, enhancing the visual and taste profile of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Red Pepper
-
Is Sugar safe in this food?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is included, which may contribute unnecessary sweetness in a savory context, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Rapeseed Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Rapeseed Oil is used here as base. Rapeseed oil is a common cooking oil but raises concerns about processing and health implications.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rapeseed Oil
-
Is Almonds safe in this food?
Good
Almonds is used here as flavor. Almonds add crunch and flavor, enhancing the dish's texture and nutritional profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Almonds
-
Is Coconut Extract safe in this food?
Good
Coconut Extract is used here as flavor. Coconut extract provides a rich flavor, complementing other ingredients and enhancing the dish's profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Coconut Extract
-
Is Garlic Puree safe in this food?
Good
Garlic Puree is used here as flavor. Garlic purée adds a robust flavor, commonly used in savory dishes to enhance taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Purée
-
Is Ginger Puree safe in this food?
Good
Ginger Puree is used here as flavor. Ginger purée contributes warmth and spice, enhancing the overall flavor complexity of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ginger Purée
-
Is Green Chilli Puree safe in this food?
Good
Green Chilli Puree is used here as flavor. Green chilli purée adds heat and flavor, essential for authentic Indian cuisine.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Green Chilli Purée
-
Is Paprika safe in this food?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika adds color and a mild flavor, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Paprika
-
Is Carrot safe in this food?
Good
Carrot is used here as flavor. Carrot adds sweetness and color, contributing to the dish's overall flavor and nutritional value.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Carrot
-
Is Fat Cream safe in this food?
Medium
Fat Cream is used here as base. Fat cream adds richness but may raise concerns about fat content and processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Fat Cream
-
Is Tomato Paste safe in this food?
Good
Tomato Paste is used here as base. Tomato paste provides concentrated flavor and acidity, enhancing the dish's overall taste profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Tomato Paste
-
Is Ginger Powder safe in this food?
Good
Ginger Powder is used here as flavor. Ginger powder adds a warm, spicy flavor, complementing other spices in the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Ginger Powder
-
Is Colour Paprika Extract safe in this food?
Bad
Colour Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is an artificial colorant that raises concerns about synthetic additives in the product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Colour: Paprika Extract
-
Is Fortified Wheat Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Fortified Wheat Flour is used here as base. Fortified wheat flour is used for texture but raises concerns about gluten content and processing.
Role in formula: base
Original: Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin)
-
Is Raising Agents Calcium Phosphate safe in this food?
Medium
Raising Agents Calcium Phosphate is used here as thickener. Calcium phosphate is used as a raising agent but indicates processing, which may affect quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Raising Agents: Calcium Phosphate
-
Is Raising Agents Sodium Carbonates safe in this food?
Medium
Raising Agents Sodium Carbonates is used here as thickener. Sodium carbonates serve as raising agents, indicating processing and potential quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Raising Agents: Sodium Carbonates
Read the full ingredient profile for Raising Agents Sodium Carbonates
-
Is Yeast safe in this food?
Medium
Yeast is used here as fermenting_agent. Yeast is used for fermentation, contributing to texture but indicating processing in the product.
Role in formula: fermenting_agent
Original: Yeast
-
Is Nigella Seeds safe in this food?
Good
Nigella Seeds is used here as flavor. Nigella seeds add a unique flavor and are valued in culinary applications, enhancing the dish's profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Nigella Seeds
-
Is Rice Flour safe in this food?
Medium
Rice Flour is used here as base. Rice flour is used for texture but may raise concerns about processing and gluten content.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rice Flour
-
Is Maize Starch safe in this food?
Medium
Maize Starch is used here as thickener. Maize starch is a thickening agent that indicates processing, which may affect quality.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Maize Starch
-
Is Yellow Split Pea Flour safe in this food?
Good
Yellow Split Pea Flour is used here as base. Yellow split pea flour adds protein and fiber, enhancing the nutritional profile of the dish.
Role in formula: base
Original: Yellow Split Pea Flour
-
Is Chickpea Flour safe in this food?
Good
Chickpea Flour is used here as base. Chickpea flour is a nutritious ingredient that adds protein and fiber, contributing positively to the dish.
Role in formula: base
Original: Chickpea Flour
-
Is Coriander Leaf safe in this food?
Good
Coriander Leaf is used here as flavor. Coriander leaf adds freshness and flavor, commonly used in Indian cuisine to enhance dishes.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Coriander Leaf
-
Is Green Chilli safe in this food?
Good
Green Chilli is used here as flavor. Green chilli adds heat and flavor, essential for authentic Indian dishes, enhancing the overall profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Green Chilli
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this food?
Medium
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder provides concentrated flavor but indicates processing, which may affect quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Powder
-
Is Black Pepper safe in this food?
Good
Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Black pepper adds heat and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Black Pepper
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: 4249150
More from this brand: Sainsbury's products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: almonds , cashew nut , wheat gluten
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.