HP Sauce (The Original) — ENGINEERED

Munch or Dump rates HP Sauce (The Original) by HP ENGINEERED — score 30/90.

A tomato-and-vinegar base loaded with three-plus refined sweeteners and modified starch. The 'no artificial' badge is real, but this is still an ultra-processed condiment built for craving.

Why this verdict

• Four distinct sweeteners: glucose-fructose syrup, molasses, sugar and dates
• Glucose-fructose syrup is a refined liquid sugar high on the list
• Modified cornflour is an industrial thickener, not real food
• Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) despite the 'no artificial' label
• About 3.5g sugar per 15g serving means roughly a quarter of it is sugar

Ingredients (13)

• Tomatoes (safe) — The real tomato base gives flavour and a little lycopene.
• Malt Vinegar (from Barley) (safe) — Fermented vinegar for tang; harmless but contains gluten.
• molasses (moderate) — Another added sugar source — fourth distinct sweetener.
• glucose-fructose syrup (concerning) — Cheap liquid sugar that spikes blood glucose fast — a second distinct sweetener.
• Spirit Vinegar (safe) — Mild acidity regulator and preservative.
• Sugar (concerning) — Added sugar, third by weight, feeds yeast and adds sweetness with no nutritional benefit.
• Dates (safe) — A whole dried fruit. High in natural sugar but delivered with fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants — nothing refined or added.
• Modified Cornflour (moderate) — Chemically or physically altered starch used to thicken; a marker of ultra-processing.
• Rye Flour (moderate) — A small amount of refined flour for texture; contains gluten.
• Salt (moderate) — Added for taste and mild preservation. Fine in small amounts but adds to daily sodium.
• Spices (safe) — Flavour from real spices, no health downside.
• Flavourings (moderate) — Non-specific flavour additives; vague labelling despite a 'no artificial flavours' claim.
• tamarind (safe) — Real fruit pulp giving the signature sweet-sour tang.