Barbecue Sauce Sweet & Smoky
by Wine Country Kitchens
A relatively clean barbecue sauce with simple ingredients, but high in added sugars from multiple sources. Better than most commercial BBQ sauces due to absence of high fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives, though still a high-sugar condiment that should be used sparingly.
- Tomato sauce – beneficial · Made from tomato concentrate which provides lycopene and natural umami, though processing reduces some nutrients.
- Tomato concentrate – beneficial · Concentrated source of lycopene and natural tomato flavor, though heat processing may reduce some vitamins.
- Distilled vinegar – safe · Natural preservative and flavor enhancer that provides acidity for shelf stability.
- Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar that contributes to blood sugar spikes and empty calories.
- Salt – safe · Natural mineral for flavor enhancement, though contributes to overall sodium content.
- Onion powder – beneficial · Concentrated onion flavor providing sulfur compounds and natural flavor without additives.
- Spices – beneficial · Natural spices that provide antioxidants and flavor compounds without artificial enhancement.
- Natural flavoring – safe · Natural flavor compounds derived from real food sources, though specific ingredients not disclosed.
- Brown sugar – controversial · Less refined than white sugar but still adds significant simple carbohydrates and calories.
- Natural smoke flavor – safe · Natural smoking compounds that provide barbecue flavor without artificial chemicals.
- Worcestershire sauce – safe · Traditional fermented condiment that adds umami and complexity through natural fermentation.
- Distilled white vinegar – safe · High acidity vinegar for preservation and tangy flavor without artificial preservatives.
- Molasses – safe · Byproduct of sugar refining that retains some minerals, though still high in sugar.
- Water – safe · Pure water for dilution and consistency without any additives.
- Onions – beneficial · Whole onions providing natural flavor compounds and beneficial sulfur compounds.
- Anchovies – beneficial · Small fish that provide natural umami and omega-3 fatty acids through traditional fermentation.
- Garlic – beneficial · Natural garlic providing allicin compounds and antimicrobial properties.
- Cloves – beneficial · Aromatic spice with natural antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.
- Tamarind extract – beneficial · Natural fruit extract providing tartness and antioxidants from tropical tamarind pods.
- Chili pepper extract – beneficial · Natural capsaicin compounds that provide heat and potential metabolic benefits.
- Crushed red chili pepper – beneficial · Whole dried chili providing capsaicin, vitamins, and natural heat without artificial additives.
- Sea salt – safe · Natural salt with trace minerals, though contributes to overall sodium content.
No artificial preservatives or colors
Natural smoke flavor instead of artificial
Simple, recognizable ingredients
No high fructose corn syrup
Contains beneficial spices like garlic and chili
Very high in added sugars from multiple sources
High sodium content
Will cause blood sugar spikes
Processed tomato concentrate
Contains fish allergen
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Barbecue Sauce Sweet & Smoky 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