Sweet & Sour sauce

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Common questions

Is Sweet & Sour sauce healthy?

Sweet & Sour sauce scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This sweet and sour sauce contains several beneficial ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and peppers, which contribute vitamins and antioxidants.

How processed is Sweet & Sour sauce?

Sweet & Sour sauce is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Sweet & Sour sauce's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Tomatoes, Onion, Carrot count in its favor; Sugar is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Sweet & Sour sauce

Ben's Original
60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Mars
Category Condiments
Summary

This sweet and sour sauce contains several beneficial ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and peppers, which contribute vitamins and antioxidants. However, it is heavily processed and includes refined sugar, which is linked to negative health impacts such as obesity and diabetes. The presence of modified maize starch and the overall processing level further reduce its health score.

Key ingredients 13

Tomatoes
Good

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as lycopene, which support overall health.

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Onion
Good

Provides beneficial plant compounds, fiber, and trace nutrients that support immune health.

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Carrot
Good

An excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins that support eye and immune health.

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Spices
Good

Whole-food seasonings, antioxidant-bearing.

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Water
Neutral

Essential for hydration and used as a basic culinary medium.

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Vinegar
Neutral

Common pantry staple used for flavor enhancement and preservation.

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Pineapple
Neutral

Provides natural sweetness, vitamin C, and digestive enzymes.

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Green Pepper
Neutral

Contributes dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals as a fresh vegetable component.

Modified Maize Starch
Neutral

Used to achieve the desired texture and consistency in the sauce.

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Red Pepper
Neutral

Adds color, flavor, and small amounts of beneficial micronutrients.

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Salt
Neutral

Used for flavor enhancement and culinary balance.

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Paprika Extract
Neutral

Natural coloring agent derived from paprika peppers.

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Sugar
Bad

Refined added sugar.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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