Is Original Barbecue Sauce Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kraft
Original Barbecue Sauce is a sauce condiment from Kraft. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Potassium Sorbate.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener, which raises concerns due to its processed nature. Additionally, potassium sorbate is present as a preservative, indicating a reliance on synthetic additives. The presence of caramel color also suggests a processed composition, impacting the overall quality assessment.
Main concern
High fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener associated with various health concerns, lowering the overall quality rating.
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
- Contains vinegar, which adds acidity and flavor, contributing positively to the overall taste profile.
- Includes dried garlic and dried onions, which are natural flavor enhancers that can improve the sauce's taste.
Concerns
- High fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener associated with various health concerns, lowering the overall quality rating.
- Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns due to its artificial nature.
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this sauce condiment so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is High Fructose Corn Syrup safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
High Fructose Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. High fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener used to enhance sweetness in this barbecue sauce. Its consumption is linked to various health concerns, including obesity and metabolic issues, which raises quality and safety concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
Read the full ingredient profile for High Fructose Corn Syrup
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Is Vinegar safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Vinegar is a natural acid that contributes to the tangy flavor of this sauce. It is minimally processed and adds a preservative effect, enhancing the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: VINEGAR
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Is Tomato Puree safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Tomato Puree is used here as base. Tomato puree, made from water and tomato paste, serves as the primary base for this sauce. It provides natural flavor and color, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: base
Original: TOMATO PURE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE)
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Is Apple Cider Vinegar safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Apple Cider Vinegar is used here as acidulant. Apple cider vinegar is included for its flavor and acidity, enhancing the overall taste profile of the sauce. It is a natural ingredient that supports quality.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: APPLE CDER VINGAR
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Is Molasses safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Molasses is used here as sweetener. Molasses is a byproduct of sugar refining that adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. While it is less processed than high fructose corn syrup, it still raises some concerns due to its sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: MOLASSES
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Is Modified Food Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Modified Food Starch is used here as thickener. Modified food starch is used as a thickening agent in this sauce. While it helps achieve the desired consistency, it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: MOOFIED FOOD STARCH
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Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a natural mineral that enhances flavor in this barbecue sauce. It is essential for taste and is generally considered safe in moderate amounts.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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Is Hickory Smoke Flavor safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Hickory Smoke Flavor is used here as flavor. Hickory smoke flavor is added to impart a smoky taste to the sauce. While it enhances flavor, it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: HICKORY SMOKE FLAVOR
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Is Mustard Flour safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Mustard Flour is used here as flavor. Mustard flour is a natural ingredient that adds a distinct flavor to the sauce. It contributes positively to the overall taste profile without raising significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: MUSTARD FLOUR
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Is Dried Garlic safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Dried Garlic is used here as flavor. Dried garlic is a natural flavor enhancer that adds depth to the sauce. It is minimally processed and contributes positively to the overall quality.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DRIED GARLIC
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Is Dried Onions safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Dried Onions is used here as flavor. Dried onions provide a natural flavor boost to the sauce. Their inclusion supports the overall quality and taste without raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: DRIED ONOINS
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Is Spice safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Spice is used here as flavor. Spices are natural ingredients that enhance the flavor profile of the sauce. Their presence contributes positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SPICE
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Is Paprika safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika is a natural colorant that adds visual appeal and flavor to the sauce. It is a minimally processed ingredient that supports quality.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: PAPRIKA
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Is Caramel Color safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color is an artificial colorant used to enhance the appearance of the sauce. Its synthetic nature raises quality concerns and indicates a processed composition.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: CARAMEL COLOR
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is a broad term that can encompass various flavoring agents derived from natural sources. Its vague nature raises some quality concerns regarding transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: NATURAL FLAVOR
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Is Potassium Sorbate safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Potassium Sorbate is used here as preservative. Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life by preventing microbial growth. Its presence indicates reliance on artificial additives, which lowers the overall quality rating.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: POTASSUM SORBATE (TO PRESERVE FRESHINESS)
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: 2390401
More from this brand: Kraft 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.