Sweet & Spicy Steak Sauce

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (High Fructose Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Modified Starches (Modified Tapioca Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Benzoate): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Carboxymethylcellulose): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

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 Sweet & Spicy Steak 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.

Other AdditivesUPF marker

In this product: Propylene Glycol.

Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Malic Acid, Tannic & Citric Acids.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Molasses.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color (Contains Sulfur Dioxide To Promote Color Retention).

Natural sources but still indicate processing.