Health score
0
/ 100Verdict: unhealthy
Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce receives a score of 45/100 due to its high sodium and sugar content. While it contains beneficial aromatics, these are overshadowed by its nutritional profile.
Key takeaways
- Contains 850mg sodium per 100g
- Sugar accounts for 16g per 100g
- Features anti-inflammatory ginger and garlic
- Uses rapeseed oil for heart-healthy fats
- Moderate environmental impact at 50/100
Our read on this product
This sauce contains 850mg of sodium and 16g of sugar per 100g, which contributes to its low 45/100 health score. While positive ingredients like garlic, ginger, and chilli peppers provide anti-inflammatory benefits, they are diluted by processed additives like modified maize starch. The inclusion of rapeseed oil offers heart-healthy unsaturated fats, but the high sodium concentration remains a significant concern for heart health. Users should view this as a flavor enhancer rather than a nutritional staple.
Best for
Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce is suitable for casual home cooks looking to add quick, intense heat to their stir-fry meals.
Approach with care
Those managing hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or strictly limiting processed sugars and sodium should avoid this product.
Ingredient breakdown
Good ingredients
Neutral ingredients
Ingredients to watch
Water
Used as the base liquid for the sauce. It is calorie-free and essential for consistency.
Sugar
Used for sweetness and to balance the heat of the chillies. High intake can negatively impact cholesterol levels and weight management.
Tomato Paste
Provides the base flavor and body. Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant beneficial for heart health.
Soy Sauce
Adds a deep umami flavor. It is very high in sodium, which should be limited by those with health concerns.
Distilled Vinegar
Adds acidity to preserve and balance the sauce. It is generally considered neutral for health.
Chilli Peppers
Provide the signature heat of the sauce. Contain capsaicin which may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Nutrition facts
Values shown per 100g
Energy
115 kcal
Protein
1.2g
Carbs
22g
Fat
2.5g
Fiber
0.8g
Sugar
16g
Sodium
850mg
Saturated fat
0.3g
Fiber
0.8g
How it scores against your goal
Mood Effect
High sugar content may lead to rapid energy fluctuations, potentially impacting mood stability after consumption.
Muscle Gain
With only 1.2g of protein, this sauce provides negligible support for muscle synthesis.
Weight Loss
The high sugar content and moderate calorie density may hinder weight management goals if used in large portions.
Flu Recovery
Garlic and ginger offer some immune-supporting antioxidants, but the nutritional negatives limit the overall benefit.
Fever Recovery
While ginger and garlic are beneficial, the high sodium and sugar content do not support effective hydration or recovery.
Pcos Management
High sugar and sodium intake can exacerbate inflammation and insulin resistance, which are concerns for PCOS management.
Diabetes Management
The high sugar content relative to serving size can cause unwanted blood glucose spikes.
Myth busters
The sauce is a great source of protein
It contains only 1.2g of protein per 100g, which is nutritionally insignificant.
Contains healthy plant-based oils
It features rapeseed oil, which contains unsaturated fats rather than saturated animal fats.
The heat comes from artificial chemicals
The signature heat is derived from natural chilli peppers and ginger.
High in sugar
The product contains 16g of sugar per 100g, which is a significant portion of the total mass.
Frequently asked questions
Is Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce considered healthy?
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Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce is not considered healthy due to its high sodium and sugar content, resulting in a low score of 45/100.
What is the main health concern regarding Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce?
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Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce presents a primary concern regarding its high sodium level of 850mg per 100g, which exceeds recommended daily thresholds for many individuals.
Which key ingredient provides the signature flavor in Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce?
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Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce relies on chilli peppers, garlic, and ginger to provide its signature spicy and aromatic flavour profile.
Is Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce suitable for a low-sugar diet?
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Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce is not suitable for a low-sugar diet, as it contains 16g of sugar per 100g to balance the heat.
What is a better alternative to Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce?
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Specially Selected Szechuan Sauce can be substituted with a homemade sauce using low-sodium soy sauce, fresh chillies, and ginger to control the sugar and sodium levels.