Truelabel

Barbecue Sauce

by Sas Imports

This barbecue sauce is heavily processed with multiple concerning additives including propylene glycol (industrial antifreeze compound), polysorbate 80 (gut microbiome disruptor), and excessive high fructose corn syrup. The ingredient list reads like a chemical laboratory with over 30 components including preservatives and emulsifiers linked to inflammation and metabolic disruption.

  • TOMATO CONCENTRATE MADE FROM RED RIPE TOMATOES – beneficial · Rich in lycopene and provides the foundational flavor for ketchup base.
  • HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP – dangerous · Linked to metabolic dysfunction, fatty liver disease, and increased inflammation compared to regular sugar.
  • CORN SYRUP – dangerous · Additional processed sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to insulin resistance.
  • BROWN SUGAR – controversial · While minimally less processed than white sugar, still contributes significantly to sugar load.
  • PROPYLENE GLYCOL – dangerous · Industrial compound used in antifreeze and cosmetics, potentially toxic in high doses and unnecessary in food.
  • POLYSORBATE 80 – dangerous · Emulsifier linked to gut barrier disruption, microbiome imbalance, and increased inflammation in studies.
  • CARAMEL COLOR – controversial · May contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen formed during manufacturing process.
  • XANTHAN GUM – controversial · Can cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals and may affect gut bacteria balance.
  • SODIUM BENZOATE – controversial · Can form benzene (carcinogen) when combined with vitamin C under certain conditions.
  • DISTILLED VINEGAR – safe · Natural acid that provides tang and has antimicrobial properties.
  • SALT – safe · Essential mineral, though this product likely contributes to excessive sodium intake.
  • NATURAL FLAVORING – controversial · Vague term that can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, lacks transparency.
  • SPICE – safe · Generic term for beneficial plant compounds that add flavor.
  • ONION POWDER – beneficial · Contains beneficial sulfur compounds and adds natural umami flavor.
  • GARLIC – beneficial · Provides allicin and other bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and cardiovascular benefits.
  • LIQUID SMOKE – safe · Concentrated smoke flavor, generally regarded as safe though some concerns about PAH compounds.
  • WATER – safe · Essential solvent and base for the sauce formulation.
  • DEXTROSE – controversial · Simple sugar that rapidly spikes blood glucose levels.
  • SUGAR – controversial · Refined sugar adding to the excessive sugar load in this product.
  • SOY PROTEIN – safe · Complete protein source, though may be concerning for those with soy sensitivities.
  • CHILI PEPPER – beneficial · Contains capsaicin which has anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.
  • CITRIC ACID – safe · Natural acid that acts as preservative and flavor enhancer.
  • MALTODEXTRIN – controversial · Highly processed starch that can spike blood sugar more than table sugar.
  • GLUTAMIC ACID – safe · Natural amino acid that provides umami flavor, different from synthetic MSG.
  • YEAST – safe · Natural flavor enhancer that provides B vitamins and umami taste.
  • MALIC ACID – safe · Natural fruit acid that adds tartness and helps with preservation.
  • AMMONIUM CHLORIDE – safe · Food additive used for flavor modification, generally recognized as safe in food applications.
  • SOYBEAN OIL – controversial · Highly processed omega-6 rich oil that contributes to inflammatory fatty acid imbalance.
  • SILICON DIOXIDE – safe · Anti-caking agent derived from sand, generally regarded as safe in food quantities.
  • GUAR GUM – safe · Natural fiber from guar beans, can provide some prebiotic benefits.
  • POTASSIUM SORBATE – safe · Generally safe preservative with lower toxicity concerns than other preservatives.
  • OLEORESIN CAPSICUM – safe · Concentrated extract from chili peppers providing heat and beneficial capsaicinoids.
  • SULFUR DIOXIDE – controversial · Preservative that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
  • VINEGAR – safe · Natural acid that provides flavor and preservation benefits.
  • MUSTARD SEED – beneficial · Contains beneficial compounds including selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • HORSERADISH – beneficial · Contains glucosinolates which have antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties.
  • RED PEPPER – beneficial · Rich in vitamin C and capsaicinoids with anti-inflammatory effects.
  • CHILI POWDER – beneficial · Blend of spices providing antioxidants and metabolism-boosting compounds.
  • OREGANO – beneficial · High in antioxidants and has natural antimicrobial properties.
  • CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS – beneficial · Hot pepper variety rich in capsaicin with anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties.

Contains beneficial spices like garlic and chili peppers

Tomato base provides some lycopene

Real horseradish and mustard seed offer some nutritional value

Contains propylene glycol (antifreeze compound)

Polysorbate 80 disrupts gut health

Excessive sugar from 5 different sources

Ultra-processed with 15+ additives

High inflammation potential

About This Analysis

This ingredient analysis for Barbecue Sauce was performed by Truelabel, an AI-powered food scanner that grades products from A (excellent) to F (failing) based on ingredient quality. The analysis covers seed oil content, ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives, artificial colors, allergens, and potential health risks including cancer risk, hormonal disruption, and gut irritation scores.

Category: Condiments

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