Is Butter Masala Indian Simmer Sauce Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist looking at the label, the classification of this sauce is immediately clear. The formulation is built around a traditional dairy-heavy base. The primary flag is the presence of buttermilk (cultured lowfat milk), which serves as the acidic liquid foundation. Following that, the recipe lists unsalted butter and cream, both derived from animal milk.

It is also important to note the inclusion of milk as a standalone ingredient, reinforcing the dairy content. Even the vitamins added, specifically Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin D3, are often sourced from lanolin (sheep's wool) or dairy byproducts, making them non-vegan in many formulations. While the sauce contains plant-based elements like safflower oil, tapioca starch, and various spices, they are secondary to the dairy composition. Therefore, the sauce is strictly vegetarian but not vegan.

Nutritional Value

Because this sauce is dairy-based, it is naturally high in saturated fats. The combination of cream and butter contributes significantly to the calorie count per serving. Additionally, the presence of evaporated cane sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomato paste and lemon juice concentrate. While this creates a delicious flavor, it adds to the total sugar content. For those monitoring their intake of animal fats or added sugars, this sauce should be consumed in moderation. It fits a standard diet but is not a 'light' option.