How we scored this
PureScore is the stored composite of ingredient safety (40%), formulation quality (30%), contaminant risk (20%) and label transparency (10%). This label matched 21 of 21 listed ingredients. Unmatched names never wear an Excellent stamp. Methodology
Mesquite Smoke Barbecue Sauce
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Flagged concerns
HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
Linked to obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease; often contains mercury from chlor-alkali processing.
RED 40
Linked to ADHD in children; potential carcinogen; may contain carcinogenic contaminants.
CARAMEL COLOR
Ammonia-process caramel coloring; may contain 4-MEI; ultra-processed marker.
SODIUM BENZOATE
Combines with vitamin C to form benzene (carcinogen); linked to ADHD in children.
Full ingredient list
TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, WATER, DISTILLED VINEGAR, SALT, MOLASSES, LESS THAN 2% MODIFIED CORN STARCH, MUSTARD BRAN, PAPRIKA, XANTHAN GUM, CARAMEL COLOR, ONION*, SPICES, GUAR GUM, RED 40, CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE AND SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVES), GARLIC*, NATURAL HICKORY SMOKE FLAVOR, NATURAL MESQUITE SMOKE FLAVOR.
Ingredient analysis
Cleaner alternatives
Same aisle, higher PureScore. Open each one to compare the label.
