Hot Sauce

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Hot Sauce scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Less Than 0.1% Sodium Benzoate And Potassium Sorbate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

Within Ketchup & Mustard, this product is more processed than about 77% of the 6,563 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Hot Sauce's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Autolyzed Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Malic Acid, Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.