JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE, BARBECUE receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high content of added sugar and its classification as an ultra-processed food.
FoodScore: 0/100 (Avoid) due to significant added sugar and sodium.
Contains 26.77g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to empty calories.
High in sodium with 823.53mg per 100g, exceeding typical daily recommendations.
Classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
Best used in very small portions to manage intake of added sugar and sodium.
Scores -33 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
26.77g
54% of Daily Value
Sodium
823.53mg
36% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (26.8g)-25
Sodium (823.5mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15
Why it scores 0
JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE, BARBECUE scores 0 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its high added sugar content, which stands at 26.77g per 100g. Ingredients like SUGAR, DARK BROWN SUGAR, and BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES are prominent, contributing significantly to this total. The product also contains 823.53mg of sodium per 100g, which is a substantial amount for a condiment. As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed, incurring a penalty for its formulation with multiple industrial ingredients and additives such as NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR and XANTHAN GUM. While it offers a small bonus for Vitamin A (33% DV), this is insufficient to offset the significant penalties from added sugar, sodium, and its ultra-processed nature. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which often provides protein and calcium, this barbecue sauce offers minimal nutritional value, with 0g protein and 0g fiber.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in jack daniel's barbecue sauce, barbecue actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE, BARBECUE provides 33% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient important for vision, immune function, and cell growth. While this sauce is not a primary source of vitamins, it can contribute a small amount of Vitamin A to the diet, particularly when consumed as part of a meal that includes other nutrient-dense foods. This contribution is a minor positive in an otherwise nutrient-poor profile.
Flavor Enhancement for Meals
This barbecue sauce can serve as a flavor enhancer for various dishes, potentially making plainer, healthier foods more appealing. For instance, a small amount could be used to marinate lean proteins like chicken or tofu, or to add zest to roasted vegetables. By improving the palatability of nutrient-rich foods, it might indirectly encourage consumption of a more balanced meal, provided the portion size of the sauce is carefully controlled to limit intake of added sugar and sodium.
Convenient Condiment Option
As a pre-made condiment, JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE offers convenience for meal preparation. It eliminates the need to prepare complex sauces from scratch, saving time in busy households. This convenience can be beneficial for individuals looking for quick ways to add flavor to their cooking, especially when paired with simple, whole-food ingredients. However, its nutritional profile suggests it should be used sparingly.
JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE, BARBECUE receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high content of added sugar and its classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
Barbecue sauce is typically used as a condiment, marinade, or basting sauce for grilled or baked meats, sandwiches, and sometimes vegetables. A common serving size is 2 tablespoons, but it's easy to use more, which can quickly increase intake of added sugars and sodium.
Use small portions (e.g., 1 teaspoon) as a finishing sauce rather than a heavy marinade to manage added sugar and sodium.
Pair with lean proteins like grilled chicken breast or fish, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables, to balance the meal's nutritional profile.
Consider diluting with vinegar or lemon juice to reduce the intensity and amount used, while still providing flavor.
Measure your serving size precisely to avoid overconsumption of added sugars and sodium.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be mindful of the high added sugar content in this barbecue sauce, which comes from ingredients like SUGAR and DARK BROWN SUGAR. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should use this product very sparingly. The high sodium content (823.53mg per 100g) is also a concern for those monitoring blood pressure or following a low-sodium diet. The presence of NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL WHISKEY FLAVOR indicates a highly processed formulation, which may not be suitable for individuals seeking to minimize their intake of artificial ingredients. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but individuals with sensitivities should review the full ingredient list.
Is JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE, BARBECUE healthy?
Based on its FoodScore of 0/100, JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE, BARBECUE is not considered a healthy food choice. It is high in added sugars (26.77g per 100g) and sodium (823.53mg per 100g), and is classified as an ultra-processed food. While it offers a small amount of Vitamin A, its overall nutritional profile is poor.
How does JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE compare to other barbecue sauces?
Compared to many other barbecue sauces on the market, JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE has a similar nutritional profile, often characterized by high added sugar and sodium. For example, brands like Sweet Baby Ray's Original Barbecue Sauce also feature sugar and high sodium levels. To find a healthier option, look for barbecue sauces with significantly lower added sugar and sodium per serving.
What is 'natural smoke flavor' in the ingredient list?
Natural smoke flavor is an ingredient used to impart a smoky taste without actual smoking. It's typically produced by condensing smoke from burning wood. While considered 'natural,' it's a processed ingredient that contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification rather than providing nutritional benefits.
What is a reasonable portion size for this barbecue sauce?
A reasonable portion size for JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE is generally 1-2 tablespoons. Given its high added sugar and sodium content, sticking to the smaller end of this range, or even less, is advisable. This helps to minimize the impact on your daily intake of these nutrients.
Can this barbecue sauce be used in a low-sugar diet?
Due to its high added sugar content (26.77g per 100g), JACK DANIEL'S BARBECUE SAUCE is not suitable for a low-sugar diet. Even a small serving contributes a significant amount of sugar. Individuals on a low-sugar diet should seek out specific 'sugar-free' or 'no added sugar' barbecue sauce alternatives.