Is Hickory Liquid Smoke Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Stubb's
Stubb's's Hickory Liquid Smoke is reviewed here as a sauce condiment. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Caramel Color.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes organic tamari sauce and natural hickory smoke flavor, but also contains caramel color (E150d) and cane sugar, raising quality concerns due to synthetic additives.
Main concern
Caramel color (E150d) is an artificial colorant that raises concerns about synthetic additives in the product.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Organic tamari sauce provides a natural flavor base, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Natural hickory smoke flavor contributes authentic smoky notes, appealing for grilling and marinades.
Concerns
- Caramel color (E150d) is an artificial colorant that raises concerns about synthetic additives in the product.
- Cane sugar adds sweetness but may not align with those seeking low-sugar options.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this sauce condiment, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Water safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this product, ensuring proper consistency and distribution of flavors.
Role in formula: base
Original: WATER
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Is Organic Tamari Sauce safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Organic Tamari Sauce is used here as flavor. Organic tamari sauce, made from organic soybeans, adds depth and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ORGANIC TAMARI SAUCE (WATER, ORGANIC SOYBEANS, SALT)
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Is Cane Sugar safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Cane Sugar is used here as sweetener. Cane sugar is used for sweetness, but its presence may not be suitable for those monitoring sugar intake.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: CANE SUGAR
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Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, contributing to the overall taste profile of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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Is Distilled Vinegar safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Distilled Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Distilled vinegar adds acidity, balancing flavors and enhancing preservation without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: DISTILLED VINEGAR
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Is Caramel Color safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color (E150d) is an artificial colorant that raises concerns about synthetic additives and potential health implications.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: CARAMEL COLOUR E150D
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Is Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural hickory smoke flavor provides authentic smoky taste, but its formulation includes maltodextrin, raising processing concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL HICKORY SMOKE FLAVOUR (10%) [MALTODEXTRIN, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOUR]
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor
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Is Garlic Powder safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder adds a robust flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: GARLIC POWDER
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Is Dried Onion safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Dried Onion is used here as flavor. Dried onion contributes to the flavor complexity, providing a natural taste without artificial ingredients.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DRIED ONION
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3417321
More from this brand: Stubb's products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.