What's really in your Indian takeaway?

Eating a typical Indian takeaway meal of a starter, main course and pilau rice can contain far more calories than an adult’s total daily requirements and enough food for two people with approximately twice their recommended maximum level of fat and high levels of salt, according to a new report by safefood.

In addition, some varieties of naan bread contained almost a third of an adult’s total daily calorie requirement. The research by Ulster University is the latest in the Nutrition Takeout Series by safefood looking at popular takeaway foods and helping consumers to make more informed choices when eating.

Of the side dishes surveyed, the average portion of Peshwari Naan bread contains 748 calories while the average portion size of a Chicken Tikka Masala main course contained 1,249 calories. 

Commenting on the research, Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director Human Health & Nutrition with safefood said “While traditional meals in India are low in fat, high in fibre and rich in fruit and vegetables, chefs here have adapted their recipes to suit local tastebuds favouring foods high in fat and salt and serving bigger portions. These dishes have become very popular, but the Indian dishes tested in this survey were less than healthy.”

The survey analysed 280 Indian food samples from 36 outlets across the island of Ireland and found major differences in the portion size of starters sold, with a five-fold difference among Onion Bhajis and an eight-fold difference in portions of Chicken Pakoras.

The average portion of rice contained enough for two people and an average portion of Pilau Rice contained almost 500 calories.

Salt levels were considerably high; on average, all starter dishes contained one third of an adult’s total GDA for salt.

All main courses tested contained more than half of an adults’ total guideline daily amount of salt (6g). An average portion of Peshwari Naan bread contained significantly more energy, total and saturated fat than plain naan; some samples had as much as 168% of an adults total guideline daily amount for saturated fat. 

Ruth Price of Ulster University who carried out the research said: “Ulster University has world-leading expertise in nutrition focused research and in providing advice and guidance that can benefit public health and shape government policy. Information and education are key to good nutrition and helping people to make the best possible choices when it comes to food. Our advice is not that consumers should avoid these takeaway foods, but rather consider consuming them less often and in moderation, by either choosing smaller portions, sharing portions or limiting the added extras such as starters and side orders.”

 

One in five adults report ordering Indian takeaway food recently while one in three people say they order a full main size portion for themselves (safeftrak/Millward Brown 2013).

The research report “What’s in your Indian Takeaway?” compiled by Ulster University which is part of safefood’s Nutrition Takeout Series, is available to download from www.safefood.eu where ther