Is Plant Chef Vegetable Tikka Masala & Rice Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Tesco
Tesco's Plant Chef Vegetable Tikka Masala & Rice is reviewed here as a ready meal. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Glucose Syrup, Sugar.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like glucose syrup and gelling agent (amidated pectin), which raise quality concerns. However, the presence of vegetables like sweet potato and cauliflower contributes positively to the overall rating.
Main concern
Contains glucose syrup, a processed sweetener that 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 vegetables like sweet potato and cauliflower, which provide some nutritional value.
- Includes spices and natural extracts that enhance flavor without synthetic additives.
- The use of rapeseed oil is a better choice compared to less healthy fats.
- Tomato and onion contribute to the flavor profile and provide some natural sweetness.
Concerns
- Contains glucose syrup, a processed sweetener that raises concerns about added sugars.
- Gelling agent (amidated pectin) is a processed ingredient that may not be necessary.
- Presence of sugar and cornflour indicates a higher level of processing.
- Yeast extract may contain MSG, which can be a concern for some consumers.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this ready meal, not just listed as a raw label.
-
Is Water safe in this ready meal?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as a base for the dish, essential for cooking the rice and vegetables. It poses no quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
-
Is Long Grain Rice safe in this ready meal?
Good
Long Grain Rice is used here as base. Long grain rice is a staple carbohydrate providing energy. It is minimally processed and generally safe.
Role in formula: base
Original: Long Grain Rice
-
Is Sweet Potato safe in this ready meal?
Good
Sweet Potato is used here as natural_extract. Sweet potato adds natural sweetness and nutrients, contributing positively to the dish's overall quality.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Sweet Potato
-
Is Cauliflower safe in this ready meal?
Good
Cauliflower is used here as natural_extract. Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that adds fiber and vitamins, enhancing the dish's health profile.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Cauliflower
-
Is Onion safe in this ready meal?
Good
Onion is used here as natural_extract. Onion provides flavor and some health benefits, being a natural ingredient with minimal processing.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Onion
-
Is Tomato safe in this ready meal?
Good
Tomato is used here as natural_extract. Tomato contributes to the flavor and provides vitamins, making it a beneficial ingredient in this dish.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Tomato
-
Is Peas safe in this ready meal?
Good
Peas is used here as natural_extract. Peas are a good source of protein and fiber, adding nutritional value to the meal.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Peas
-
Is Green Pepper safe in this ready meal?
Good
Green Pepper is used here as natural_extract. Green pepper adds flavor and nutrients, contributing positively to the overall quality of the dish.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Green Pepper
-
Is Rapeseed Oil safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Rapeseed Oil is used here as base. Rapeseed oil is a healthier fat option, but it is still an oil that is processed, raising some concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rapeseed Oil
-
Is Coconut Extract safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Coconut Extract is used here as flavor. Coconut extract adds flavor and richness but is a processed ingredient that may not be necessary.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Coconut Extract
-
Is Ginger Puree safe in this ready meal?
Good
Ginger Puree is used here as natural_extract. Ginger purée provides flavor and potential health benefits, being a natural ingredient.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Ginger Purée
-
Is Garlic Puree safe in this ready meal?
Good
Garlic Puree is used here as natural_extract. Garlic purée enhances flavor and offers some health benefits, contributing positively to the dish.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Garlic Purée
-
Is Cornflour safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Cornflour is used here as thickener. Cornflour is used as a thickener but is a processed ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Cornflour
-
Is Spices safe in this ready meal?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices enhance flavor and are generally safe, contributing positively to the dish's quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Spices
-
Is Coriander safe in this ready meal?
Good
Coriander is used here as natural_extract. Coriander adds flavor and is a natural ingredient, enhancing the overall quality of the dish.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Coriander
-
Is Salt safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is essential for flavor but should be consumed in moderation due to potential health concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Glucose Syrup safe in this ready meal?
Bad
Glucose Syrup is used here as sweetener. Glucose syrup is a processed sweetener that raises concerns about added sugars in the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Glucose Syrup
-
Is Yeast Extract safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Yeast Extract is used here as flavor. Yeast extract is used for flavor enhancement but may contain MSG, raising concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Yeast Extract
-
Is Gelling Agent Amidated Pectin safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Gelling Agent Amidated Pectin is used here as thickener. Amidated pectin is a processed thickening agent that may not be necessary, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Gelling Agent (Amidated Pectin)
-
Is Tomato Puree safe in this ready meal?
Good
Tomato Puree is used here as natural_extract. Tomato purée adds flavor and nutrients, contributing positively to the overall quality of the dish.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Tomato Purée
-
Is Onion Concentrate safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Onion Concentrate is used here as flavor. Onion concentrate enhances flavor but is a processed ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Onion Concentrate
-
Is Tapioca Starch safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Tapioca Starch is used here as thickener. Tapioca starch is used as a thickener but is a processed ingredient that may not be necessary.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Tapioca Starch
-
Is Black Pepper safe in this ready meal?
Good
Black Pepper is used here as flavor. Black pepper adds flavor and is a natural ingredient, enhancing the overall quality of the dish.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Black Pepper
-
Is Sugar safe in this ready meal?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is an added sweetener that raises concerns about excessive sugar content in the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder enhances flavor but is a processed ingredient that may not be necessary.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Garlic Powder
-
Is Colour Paprika Extract safe in this ready meal?
Medium
Colour Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is used for coloring but is a processed ingredient that raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Colour (Paprika Extract)
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: 3954563
More from this brand: Tesco products in Zerotox
Similar products: ready_meal in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.