FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidcondimentAnnie's· 2 Tbsp (34g)

Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original

Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original scores 13/100 (Avoid) due to its significant **added sugar** and **sodium content**, alongside its classification as an **ultra-processed food**.

  • Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original receives a FoodScore of 13/100 (Avoid).
  • This product contains 8.8g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • With 588.24mg of sodium per 100g, it is a high-sodium condiment.
  • Classified as NOVA 4, this BBQ sauce is an ultra-processed food.
  • Use in small portions to manage intake of added sugar and sodium.
  • Scores -27 points above the condiment category average (40/100 across 103 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
8.8g
18% of Daily Value
Sodium
588.24mg
26% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table

Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.

What holds it back
Added sugar (8.8g)-10
Sodium (588.2mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15

Why it scores 13

Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original receives a FoodScore of 13 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is primarily driven by several nutritional factors. The most significant penalty comes from its added sugar content, which is 8.8g per 100g. This amount contributes substantially to the overall caloric load without providing essential nutrients, leading to an 'empty calories' penalty. The product also contains 588.24mg of sodium per 100g, which is a considerable amount for a condiment and incurs a penalty. Furthermore, the presence of ingredients like cane sugar and expeller-pressed canola oil, along with multiple processing steps, classifies this product as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. This classification results in an additional penalty. Compared to a generic unbranded BBQ sauce, Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original has similar nutritional challenges, particularly regarding its high levels of added sugar and sodium.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in annie's organic bbq sauce original actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Flavor Enhancement for Vegetables

While not a nutrient-dense food itself, Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original can be used in small quantities to enhance the palatability of less favored vegetables. For individuals seeking to increase their vegetable intake, a minimal amount of a flavorful sauce can make dishes more appealing. This approach focuses on using the sauce as a tool to support broader dietary goals, rather than as a primary source of nutrition.

Convenient Meal Preparation

This BBQ sauce offers convenience in meal preparation, allowing for quick flavor additions to various dishes. For busy individuals, having a ready-to-use sauce can streamline cooking processes. It can be particularly useful for marinating lean proteins or adding a quick zest to grilled foods, helping to create meals efficiently without extensive ingredient sourcing or preparation.

Source of Specific Spices

Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original includes a variety of spices such as dried garlic, dried chili pepper, and black pepper. While the amounts are small, these spices contribute to the overall flavor profile and are known for containing various compounds. Incorporating a range of spices into the diet can add complexity to meals and may offer diverse plant compounds, even if not in significant quantities from this single source.

How to eat it

Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original is typically used as a condiment, marinade, or glaze. Common portions are 2 tablespoons (34g), often added to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce. The main pitfall is over-serving, which can quickly increase intake of added sugar and sodium.

Use this BBQ sauce as a flavor accent rather than a primary ingredient to control added sugar and sodium intake.
Dilute the sauce with a small amount of apple cider vinegar or water to reduce its intensity and spread it further.
Pair with lean proteins and a generous serving of non-starchy vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Measure your portion (2 Tbsp) to stay within recommended limits for added sugar and sodium.
Consider making your own BBQ sauce from scratch to control ingredient quality and reduce added sugars and sodium.
Things to keep in mind

Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original contains tamari soy sauce, which means it includes soybeans as an allergen. Individuals with a soy allergy should avoid this product. The presence of xanthan gum is a common food additive used as a thickener; while generally recognized as safe, some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience mild discomfort with large intakes. Due to its high sodium content (588.24mg per 100g), individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should consume this product sparingly. Similarly, the added sugar content (8.8g per 100g) should be noted by individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes.

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Reader questions
Is Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original healthy?
Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original scores 13/100 (Avoid) on FoodScore. While it is organic, its nutritional profile is characterized by high levels of added sugar (8.8g per 100g) and sodium (588.24mg per 100g). It is classified as an ultra-processed food, meaning it offers minimal nutritional benefits relative to its caloric density.
How does Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original compare to other BBQ sauces?
Compared to a generic unbranded BBQ sauce, Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original has a similar nutritional profile, particularly in its high added sugar and sodium content. For example, a brand like Sweet Baby Ray's Original BBQ Sauce also typically contains high levels of added sugar and sodium. Many commercial BBQ sauces share these characteristics, making it important to check nutrition labels for all brands.
What does 'organic' mean for this BBQ sauce?
The 'organic' label on Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original indicates that ingredients like apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, molasses, and cane sugar were produced according to USDA organic standards. This means they were grown and processed without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. However, 'organic' does not automatically equate to a low-sugar or low-sodium product.
How much Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original can I eat daily?
Given its high added sugar and sodium content, it is advisable to consume Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original in moderation. A typical serving size is 2 tablespoons (34g). Limiting intake to one serving per day, or less frequently, can help manage your overall daily intake of these nutrients, especially if you are monitoring them for health reasons.
Does this BBQ sauce contain any allergens?
Yes, Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original contains tamari soy sauce, which includes soybeans. Individuals with a soy allergy should be aware of this ingredient. The product does not list other common allergens such as milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, or eggs on its ingredient label.
Can this BBQ sauce be used for marinating?
Yes, Annie's Organic BBQ Sauce Original can be used effectively as a marinade for meats or plant-based proteins. Its blend of vinegar, spices, and sweetness helps to tenderize and flavor food. However, be mindful that marinating will infuse the food with the sauce's added sugar and sodium, so consider shorter marinating times or diluting the sauce.

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Data & references