# Maya Kaimal Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Maya Kaimal - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 12.50 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maya-kaimal-tikka-masala-simmer-sauce-1250-oz - **Slug:** `maya-kaimal-tikka-masala-simmer-sauce-1250-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (xanthan gum, carrageenan, tapioca starch, cornstarch, expeller-pressed canola oil, added sugars) and is a ready-made, shelf-stable culinary product, fitting the ultra-processed category. ## Review Maya Kaimal Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce is a shelf-stable jarred sauce you’re likely to spot in the international or pasta/simmer-sauce aisle, shelved near other Indian sauces, curry pastes, canned tomatoes and coconut milk. Packaged in a 12.5 oz screw-top jar with a clean label that highlights heritage and home cooking, it leans on cookbook-author credibility rather than flashy mascots. This sauce sells to busy home cooks who want an approachable, slightly elevated weeknight meal: think quick chicken or paneer tikka masala, shrimp tossed in a creamy tomato curry, or a shortcut curry over pasta. The brand positions itself as inspired by family recipes — culturally rooted but presented for American kitchens — appealing to food-curious shoppers who value authenticity and convenience. The label calls out “vegetarian” and “gluten free,” touts natural ingredients in copy, and uses artisan-friendly design cues; there’s no organic or non-GMO certification visible. In processing terms it’s a prepared, shelf-stable culinary sauce that combines cooked tomato, dairy, oils, spices and stabilizers to keep texture consistent. Sensory impressions: a silky, medium-thick tomato-cream sauce with warm, toasty garam masala notes, bright lemon lift, and a subtle serrano heat; a faint separation may occur so stirring or gentle heating restores uniformity. Rituals around use are simple and homey — heat the sauce in a skillet, add protein or vegetables, simmer a few minutes and serve over rice or noodles. It offers a quick, comforting shortcut to an otherwise time-intensive dish. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.33 cup - **Servings per container:** 4 - **Calories:** 100 - **Total fat:** 8g (10% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 2g (10% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 10mg (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 410mg (18% DV) - **Total carbs:** 6g (2% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 3g - **Protein:** 2g ## Ingredients Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), Half & Half (Milk, Cream), Buttermilk (Cultured Milk, Nonfat Dry Milk, Tapioca Starch, Carob Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Salt, Vitamin D3), Lemon Juice from Concentrate, Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil, Ginger, Unsalted Butter (Cream, Natural Flavoring), Spices (Including Paprika), Garlic, Salt, Sugar, Cilantro, Cornstarch, Serrano Chili, Fenugreek Leaves, Xanthan Gum. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids ## Context tags - **Occasions:** meal-prep-sunday, back-to-school, movie-night - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is the Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce healthy? Ah, the age-old question of 'healthy!' This sauce has a modest calorie count at 100 per serving and is low in sugar, which is great for those watching their sugar intake. However, it contains some dairy and fats, so if you’re looking for a low-fat or dairy-free option, you might want to explore other alternatives. ### Is it vegan? Nope, the Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce is not vegan. It contains dairy ingredients like half & half and buttermilk, which adds that creamy texture many love. If you're on a plant-based journey, you might want to look for a vegan alternative that captures that rich flavor without the dairy. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes! You can enjoy this sauce without worrying about gluten. It’s a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, allowing you to whip up a quick and tasty meal without the gluten baggage. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain expeller-pressed canola oil, which is a type of seed oil. While some people prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, canola oil is generally considered safe in moderation and helps keep the sauce smooth and flavorful. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! The sweetness in this sauce comes from natural sources like sugar, so you can feel good about that. It’s always nice to know what’s actually in your food, right? ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! The Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce has only 3 grams of total sugars per serving, which is pretty low. So, if you're looking to keep your sugar intake in check, this sauce won't tip the scales. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re seeking healthier alternatives, consider making your own tikka masala sauce with fresh ingredients or looking for brands that offer low-fat or dairy-free options. You could also try sauces made with coconut milk for a creamy, yet plant-based twist! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! This sauce can be a hit with kids, especially if they enjoy flavorful dishes. Just keep an eye on the spice level; if your little ones are sensitive to heat, you might want to tone it down or serve it with some mild sides. ### Is it good for weight loss? The Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce can fit into a weight loss plan, especially if paired wisely with vegetables or lean proteins. It’s low in calories and sugar, but remember, portion control is key. A satisfying meal that’s balanced with veggies can help keep you on track! ### Is it ultra-processed? While it’s not the most minimal ingredient list, it falls into the category of processed foods. The presence of ingredients like buttermilk and xanthan gum means it’s not completely 'whole food,' but it’s still a far cry from some heavily processed options. It’s all about balance and making choices that work for you! ## Related products - [Goya Jambalaya Rice Mix](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-jambalaya-rice-mix-7-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-jambalaya-rice-mix-7-oz - [Ortega Original Taco Sauce - Mild](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ortega-original-taco-sauce-mild-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ortega-original-taco-sauce-mild-16-oz - [Goya Mojo Criollo Marinate](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-mojo-criollo-marinate-2450-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-mojo-criollo-marinate-2450-oz - [SandB Wasabi Tube](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sb-sandb-wasabi-tube-152-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sb-sandb-wasabi-tube-152-oz - [Goya Minced Garlic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-minced-garlic-8-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-minced-garlic-8-oz - [Rummo Pasta Spaghetti](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/rummo-pasta-spaghetti-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/rummo-pasta-spaghetti-12-oz - [Goya Corn on the Cob](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-corn-on-the-cob-4-ct) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-corn-on-the-cob-4-ct - [Salutti Aloe Drink Peach](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/aloevine-salutti-aloe-drink-peach-5070-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/aloevine-salutti-aloe-drink-peach-5070-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md