FOOD NEWS
Ranking Store-Bought Tikka Masala Sauces From Worst To Best
BY LEI SHISHAK
10. Kroger
Since Chicken Tikka Masala can be time-intensive to make you might be tempted to go with store-bought, but you should skip Kroger Indian Inspirations.
Although affordable, the Kroger Indian Inspirations Tikka Masala sauce lacks a rich, layered flavor, with an artificial taste and an unappealing mouthfeel.
9. 365 By Whole Foods
Although promising, Whole Foods Market's rendition of tikka masala sauce is off-balance with heavy-handed nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
Overall, the sauce’s aroma is too reminiscent of Christmas gingerbread, and the brown color and chunky texture are off-putting compared to traditional tikka masala.
8. Saffron Road
Packaged in single-use 7-ounce pouches, and halal and kosher-certified, Saffron Road’s Tikka Masala is convenient, but it could still use some improvement.
The sauce is puréed to the point that it’s too smooth to adequately coat the chicken. Plus, it’s quite sour and acidic, with too much tomato, lemon juice, and citric acid.
7. Patak's
Patak's foods are known for bold and intense flavors, and the Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce is no exception, with a robust aroma, vibrant color, and deep flavor.
However, the sauce may be too bold for some, with a medium-hot spice level, and strong use of cumin and paprika which some might find overpowering.
6. Brooklyn Delhi
Although plant-based and vegan, Brooklyn Delhi’s Tikka Masala is dominated by the flavor of coconut cream, which is used in place of butter and cream.
Likewise, the sauce is pricier and would benefit from additional spices, but it has a palatable sweetness and mild flavor that will have you wanting seconds.