Why is Original Barbecue Sauce classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The sauce is made from refined ingredients such as high‑fructose corn syrup, modified starch and multiple flavorings, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. Its label lists additives including caramel colour (E150c), paprika extract (E160c), potassium sorbate (E202) for preservation, and stevia leaf extract (E960) as a sweetener.

How does the high sugar and salt content in this sauce affect diabetic or hypertensive diets?

With about 28 g of sugar per 100 g, the sauce can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control. Its 2.15 g of salt per 100 g contributes significant sodium, which may raise blood pressure and should be limited in hypertensive diets.

Is mustard in this sauce a concern for people with mustard allergy, and are there any other potential allergens?

Mustard is declared as an allergen, so individuals with a mustard sensitivity should avoid the product. No other major allergens such as peanuts, soy, or gluten are listed, but the presence of several food additives may cause reactions in highly sensitive consumers.

Kraft • 18 oz (510g)

Original Barbecue Sauce

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce is a condiment belonging to the dressings and sauces family, sold in the United States and Mexico and packaged in a plastic bottle. It is classified as an ultra‑processed food (NOVA group 4) and contains a high amount of sugar (about 28 g per 100 g) and salt (around 2.15 g per 100 g), while providing virtually no fat, protein or fiber. The formulation includes several additives such as caramel colour (E150c), paprika extract (E160c), potassium sorbate (E202) and stevia leaf extract (E960), and it lists mustard as an allergen.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal167 kcal

Added Sugars33.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average barbecue sauce, this Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce contains roughly three times more sugar and almost double the carbohydrates, while delivering virtually no fat or protein and slightly less salt than the category norm.

Ingredients

HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, VINEGAR, WATER, TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE) MOLASSES, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, SALT, MALTODEXTRIN, NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR, DRIED ONION, MUSTARD SEED FLOUR, CARAMEL COLOR, SPICES, PAPRIKA, DRIED GARLIC, PAPRIKA EXTRACT, STEVIA LEAF EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVOR, POTASSIUM SORBATE

84%

35%

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