Tikka Paste

Tikka paste is a blend of spices and herbs used to marinate meat, particularly chicken, for Indian cuisine. It typically includes ingredients like ginger, garlic, chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and often yoghurt or tomato puree for moisture and tang. The paste is used to infuse flavour and tenderise the meat before cooking, often by grilling or baking.

Manufacturers use tikka paste to impart a distinctive spicy and aromatic flavour to a wide range of savoury dishes. It is a key component in ready meals, marinades, sauces, and spice mixes, particularly those aiming for an Indian or South Asian flavour profile. It is commonly found in chilled and frozen meals, especially those featuring chicken or other poultry.

Tikka paste is a composite food ingredient, not a regulated food additive with an E-number. Its health implications are therefore related to the nutritional content of its individual components, such as salt, sugar, and fat, which vary widely by recipe. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) provides general advice on reducing intake of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS).