Pick of the bunch

As the days get colder, casseroles and curries take over from salads. And a ready-to-go curry sauce can be a saviour. With such a large range of brands and flavours on the shelves, however, choosing one that ticks the boxes for taste, price and nutrition can be a challenge. We set out to help by comparing three brands’ butter chicken sauce. Use the 100g column on the nutrition information panel to compare products – sauces can vary hugely in their nutrition. The best choices are those with the lowest kilojoules, lowest total and saturated fat, least sugar, least sodium and least number of chemical additives. What you add to the sauce is the next consideration. With chicken, organic free-range is the best nutritionally, but if this is not affordable, regular chicken breast, trimmed of any fat, is the next best option. Then, to boost nutrition, add heaps of vegetables. For vegetarian versions, tofu or cashew nuts could replace the chicken. Tandoori Palace was the obvious winner as it best ticked the boxes for nutrition, taste and cost. Patak’s was a close second, but Global Cuisine was a step behind. In the end, if you use quality lean chicken and bulk out with lots of vegetables, it will not matter too much which brand you use. ● Products are tested by NZ Registered nutritionist Bronwen King and a diverse, randomly selected group. problem. What if someone sets out to steal it? As with physical protection, so with our emotional defence mechanisms. The more we try to protect ourselves, the more vulnerable we become. One of the best ways to guard against unwelcome intrusion is to maintain a high level of openness. Be trusting as much as you dare this week. For more call 0900 30022.