Cholula Original Hot Sauce — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Cholula Original Hot Sauce by Cholula OKAY — score 58/90.

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) — Used as a basic ingredient in bread.
• Peppers (Arbol & Piquin) (safe) — Real dried chilies, the whole-food backbone of the product and a source of capsaicin.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
• ACETIC ACID (safe) — Vinegar acidulant for tang and shelf stability.
• Xanthan gum (thickener) (moderate) — Industrial stabilizer added only to hold the texture; a processed additive.
• Spices (safe) — Real seasoning — the flavor comes from spices, not additive flavor systems.
• apple cider vinegar (safe) — Simple fermented acid for tang.
• GARLIC POWDER (safe) — Real seasoning.
• Natural flavor (moderate) — Undisclosed flavor blend; minor but not fully transparent.

Healthier alternatives

• Tabasco Original Red Pepper Sauce
• Crystal Louisiana Hot Sauce Red Pepper
• Tabasco Original Red Pepper Hot Sauce
• Cholula Salsa Picante Original
• Dank Sauce (Spicy Nopal Cactus)