# Pataks Simmer Sauce, Tikka Masala Curry, Medium > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Patak's - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 15 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pataks-pataks-simmer-sauce-tikka-masala-curry-medium-15-oz - **Slug:** `pataks-pataks-simmer-sauce-tikka-masala-curry-medium-15-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This commercial jarred sauce contains industrial ingredients (modified food starch, whey protein concentrate, paprika oleoresin) and is formulated for convenience and shelf stability, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed) products. ## Review Patak's Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce (15 oz) sits on the international foods or ethnic aisle of a typical American supermarket, shelved alongside other curry sauces, jarred pastes, chutneys and Asian simmer sauces. The jar is branded with bold, warm colors and a serving suggestion photo — an approachable cue for shoppers looking for familiar Indian flavors without hunting specialty ingredients. Shoppers often grab it during quick grocery runs, weeknight shopping trips, or when planning a simple dinner for friends who want flavorful food with minimal effort. The product is positioned as a convenient, crowd-pleasing shortcut to an iconic restaurant-style curry, appealing to busy home cooks, young professionals, and families who value “authentic-ish” flavors without long preparation. Label characteristics emphasize ease ("simmer sauce"), heat level (“Medium”), and appetizing imagery; there is no organic certification listed, and the ingredient list includes dairy and industrial additives rather than “all-natural” or organic claims. In plain language, this is an industrially prepared jarred sauce made to be finished at home rather than built from raw spices — it blends real ingredients (tomato, yogurt, cream, spices) with modified starches, concentrates and colorants to stabilize texture and shelf life. Sensory notes: warm orange-red color, creamy tomato base, a medium, slightly smoky-spiced aroma (paprika, cumin, turmeric), and a smooth, clingy texture that coats chicken or vegetables. Rituals around use are simple — pour into a skillet with cooked protein or vegetables, simmer to meld flavors, and serve over rice for a fast, comforting meal. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.25 cup - **Servings per container:** 7 - **Calories:** 40 - **Total fat:** 2g (3% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 180mg (8% DV) - **Total carbs:** 5g (2% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 2g - **Added sugars:** 1g (2% DV) - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients Water, Tomato, Yogurt (Milk, Skim Milk Cream, Bacterial Culture), Tomato Paste, Food Starch-Modified, Cream, Spices (Including Paprika, Turmeric and Smoked Paprika), Contains 2% or Less of Canola Oil, Dried Onion, Sugar, Garlic, Ginger, Salt, Whey Protein Concentrate, Lactic Acid, Paprika Oleoresin (Color), Cumin Seed, Dried Cilantro Leaf. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Canola Oil** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Paprika Oleoresin (Color)** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weeknight-dinner, meal-prep-sunday, back-to-school - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is the Tikka Masala Curry healthy? The Tikka Masala Curry has a decent nutrition profile for a simmer sauce, with only 40 calories per serving and low sugar content. It's not exactly a health food, but it can be a flavorful addition to a balanced meal. Just remember, 'healthy' can mean different things to different people — it’s all about how you use it! ### Is the Tikka Masala Curry vegan? Nope, this Tikka Masala Curry isn't vegan. It contains yogurt and cream, which are both dairy products. If you're looking for something plant-based, keep an eye out for brands that specifically label their sauces as vegan. ### Is the Tikka Masala Curry gluten-free? Yes! The Tikka Masala Curry is gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can enjoy it without worrying about hidden gluten ingredients. ### Does the Tikka Masala Curry contain seed oils? Yes, it contains canola oil, which is a type of seed oil. Seed oils can be a bit controversial, but they’re often used for their neutral flavor and high smoke point. In moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet, especially when they help create delicious dishes like this one! ### Does the Tikka Masala Curry contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! The Tikka Masala Curry does have a touch of added sugar, but it doesn’t contain any of those chemical sweeteners you might be looking to avoid. It’s all about keeping things a little sweet without going overboard. ### Is the Tikka Masala Curry high in sugar? Not at all! With only 2 grams of sugar per serving, this Tikka Masala Curry is considered low in sugar. So if you’re watching your sugar intake, you can enjoy this sauce without much guilt. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Tikka Masala Curry? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making your own sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes, spices, and coconut milk. There are also brands that offer organic or lower-sodium simmer sauces that might align better with your dietary goals. Just remember, convenience sometimes comes with trade-offs! ### Can kids eat the Tikka Masala Curry? Absolutely! The Tikka Masala Curry is a kid-friendly option, especially if they enjoy mild spiciness. Just make sure to adjust the heat level based on your kids' taste preferences — you can always add it to a dish with rice or veggies to balance things out. ### Is the Tikka Masala Curry good for weight loss? In moderation, yes! With only 40 calories per serving, the Tikka Masala Curry can fit into a weight loss plan quite nicely. Just keep in mind that it’s best paired with healthy ingredients like lean proteins and lots of veggies to create a satisfying meal. ### Is the Tikka Masala Curry ultra-processed? While it’s not the most minimally processed option out there, I wouldn’t classify the Tikka Masala Curry as ultra-processed. It does contain some modified food starch and other ingredients, but many sauces out there have a similar level of processing. It’s all about balance — enjoy it as part of a diverse diet! ## Related products - [Nonna Pias Balsamic Glaze Classic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nonna-pias-pias-balsamic-glaze-classic-845-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nonna-pias-pias-balsamic-glaze-classic-845-oz - [Old El Paso Hint Of Lime Taco Shell 10ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-hint-of-lime-taco-shell-10ct-540-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-hint-of-lime-taco-shell-10ct-540-oz - [Ortega Mini Taco Slider Shells 18 ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ortega-mini-taco-slider-shells-18-ct-440-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ortega-mini-taco-slider-shells-18-ct-440-oz - [Kedem Grape Juice, Concord](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kedem-grape-juice-concord-22-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kedem-grape-juice-concord-22-oz - [Old El Paso Tortilla Pockets Kit](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-tortilla-pockets-kit-840-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-tortilla-pockets-kit-840-oz - [Goya Roman Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-roman-beans-1550-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-roman-beans-1550-oz - [Momofuku Black Truffle Chili Crunch](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/momofuku-black-truffle-chili-crunch-550-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/momofuku-black-truffle-chili-crunch-550-oz - [Streit's Matzo Ball and Soup Mix](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/streits-matzo-ball-and-soup-mix-450-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/streits-matzo-ball-and-soup-mix-450-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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