Is Spicy Legendary BBQ Sauce Safe? Ingredient Analysis
McCormick Company
Spicy Legendary BBQ Sauce is one of the sauce condiment products analyzed by Zerotox for McCormick Company. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
This BBQ sauce contains tomato puree and distilled vinegar as primary ingredients, but also includes sugar and molasses, raising concerns about added sugars. The presence of thickening agents like guar gum and xanthan gum indicates processing.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
This BBQ sauce contains tomato puree and distilled vinegar as primary ingredients, but also includes sugar and molasses, raising concerns about added sugars. The presence of thickening agents like guar gum and xanthan gum indicates processing.
Main concern
Added sugars, including sugar and brown sugar, raise concerns about excessive sweetness.
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
- Tomato puree provides a natural base, contributing to flavor and texture.
- Distilled vinegar adds acidity, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Spices like black pepper and paprika offer flavor complexity.
- Habanero peppers introduce heat, appealing to those who enjoy spicy sauces.
Concerns
- Added sugars, including sugar and brown sugar, raise concerns about excessive sweetness.
- Thickening agents like guar gum and xanthan gum indicate a processed composition.
- Natural flavor may include undisclosed ingredients, which can be a concern for some consumers.
- The presence of salt may contribute to overall sodium content, which some may wish to limit.
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this sauce condiment.
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Is Tomato Puree safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Tomato Puree is used here as base. Tomato puree serves as the primary ingredient, providing a rich flavor and natural sweetness. Its quality is generally high, contributing positively to the sauce.
Role in formula: base
Original: tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
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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 the sweetness of the sauce. It is a common ingredient in condiments, enhancing flavor without significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: distilled vinegar
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Is Sugar safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, but its presence raises concerns about excessive sugar content in the sauce, which may not align with health-conscious choices.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
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Is Molasses safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Molasses is used here as sweetener. Molasses contributes sweetness and a distinct flavor, but it also adds to the overall sugar content, which may be a concern for some consumers.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: molasses
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Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor but can contribute to sodium intake, which some consumers may wish to monitor for health reasons.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Spices safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. A blend of spices, including black pepper and paprika, adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices (including black pepper, paprika, red pepper)
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Is Corn Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Corn Starch is used here as thickener. Corn starch is used as a thickening agent, which can improve texture but may raise concerns about processed ingredients in the sauce.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: corn starch
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Is Brown Sugar safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Brown Sugar is used here as sweetener. Brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, contributing to the overall taste but also increasing sugar content.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: brown sugar
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Is Habanero Peppers safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Habanero Peppers is used here as flavor. Habanero peppers provide heat and flavor, appealing to consumers who enjoy spicy condiments. They are a natural ingredient with no significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: habanero peppers
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Is Onion safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Onion is used here as flavor. Onion adds a savory flavor to the sauce, enhancing its overall taste profile. It is a common ingredient in many sauces.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion
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Is Garlic safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic contributes a robust flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce. It is widely recognized for its culinary benefits.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic
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Is Guar Gum safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Guar Gum is used here as thickener. Guar gum is a thickening agent that improves texture but may raise concerns about processed ingredients in the sauce.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: guar gum (thickener)
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Is Xanthan Gum safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is another thickening agent that enhances texture but is considered a processed ingredient, which may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: xanthan gum (thickener)
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Is Natural Flavor safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor can include various undisclosed ingredients, raising concerns about transparency in the ingredient list.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor (including hickory smoke)
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: 3417304
More from this brand: McCormick Company 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.