Cocktail Sauce

by B L Cream

A standard cocktail sauce with mostly wholesome ingredients but contains soybean oil and added sugar. The horseradish and tomato provide antioxidants, but the seed oil and sugar detract from the overall health profile.

• tomato paste – beneficial · Concentrated tomatoes rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and may reduce cancer risk.
• fresh ground horseradish – beneficial · Contains glucosinolates with antimicrobial properties and may support respiratory health.
• sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar that contributes to blood sugar spikes and inflammation when consumed regularly.
• water – safe · Essential solvent and base ingredient with no health concerns.
• distilled vinegar – safe · Acetic acid that provides tartness and may have mild antimicrobial properties.
• salt – safe · Sodium chloride for flavor enhancement and preservation, safe in typical condiment quantities.
• beet powder – beneficial · Natural colorant from beets that provides nitrates and antioxidants with potential cardiovascular benefits.
• onion powder – beneficial · Dehydrated onions containing quercetin and sulfur compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
• garlic powder – beneficial · Dehydrated garlic rich in allicin and organosulfur compounds that support immune and cardiovascular health.
• natural flavors – controversial · Undefined flavor compounds derived from natural sources but lack transparency in composition.
• soybean oil – controversial · Highly processed omega-6 rich seed oil that may promote inflammation when consumed regularly.
• xanthan gum – safe · Microbial polysaccharide thickener that's generally well-tolerated, though may cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
• pectinase – safe · Enzyme that breaks down pectin to modify texture, derived from fungi and considered safe.
• mustard oil – safe · Essential oil from mustard seeds that provides characteristic pungency and antimicrobial compounds.

Real horseradish with health benefits

Lycopene from tomato paste

No artificial preservatives

Beneficial spices like garlic and onion

Soybean oil increases inflammation

Added sugar

Natural flavors lack transparency

Non-organic ingredients may contain pesticides