Cholula Original Hot Sauce — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Cholula Original Hot Sauce by Cholula OKAY — score 60/90.

A short, mostly clean hot sauce built on peppers, vinegar and salt, used in tiny amounts. Only real knocks are a vague 'natural flavor' and added acetic acid, which also quietly contradict the 'no preservatives' marketing.

Why this verdict

• Short, recognizable list: peppers, vinegar, salt, garlic and spices
• No added sugar, refined oil, artificial colors or flavor enhancers
• Xanthan gum and a vague 'natural flavor' keep it from being pristine
• Salt is the main nutritional concern, but portions are tiny
• 'No preservatives' claim is undercut by added acetic acid

Ingredients (9)

• Water (safe) — Inert; just adjusts texture.
• Peppers (Arbol & Piquin) (safe) — Real dried chilies, the whole-food backbone of the product and a source of capsaicin.
• Salt (moderate) — Added sodium for flavour.
• ACETIC ACID (safe) — Acidulant for tang and to help preservation.
• Xanthan gum (thickener) (safe) — Common thickening gum; generally well tolerated, mild gut effects only in large quantities.
• Spices (safe) — Seasoning blend; negligible quantity, no concern.
• apple cider vinegar (safe) — Natural acid for tang and preservation. No downside in this amount.
• GARLIC POWDER (safe) — Dried aromatic; fine.
• Natural flavor (moderate) — A vague regulatory catch-all that can hide a range of processing aids; not transparent, so it loses points.

Healthier alternatives

• Tabasco Original Red Pepper Sauce
• Tabasco Original Red Pepper Hot Sauce
• Crystal Louisiana Hot Sauce Red Pepper