OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange receives a FoodScore of 3/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and **ultra-processed nature**.
This OLDE CAPE COD sauce scores 3/100, indicating it offers minimal nutritional value.
It contains a significant 36.95g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to empty calories.
With 444.44mg of sodium per 100g, it's a moderate source of sodium.
Classified as NOVA 4, this product is ultra-processed and lacks whole food components.
Use sparingly as a condiment to manage intake of added sugars and sodium.
Scores -30 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
36.95g
74% of Daily Value
Sodium
444.44mg
19% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (37.0g)-25
Sodium (444.4mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15
Why it scores 3
The OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange earns a FoodScore of 3 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This low score is largely driven by its high concentration of added sugars, which account for 36.95g per 100g serving. This significantly contributes to empty calories, leading to a substantial penalty in its FoodScore calculation. The presence of multiple forms of sugar, including sugar, molasses, and brown sugar, early in the ingredient list highlights this aspect. Additionally, its classification as a NOVA 4 food indicates it is ultra-processed, meaning it contains many ingredients not typically used in home cooking, such as modified corn starch, caramel color, and preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. While it offers minor contributions of Vitamin A (31% DV) and Vitamin C (11% DV), these are not enough to offset the penalties from added sugar, sodium (444.44mg per 100g), and its overall processed nature. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which typically provides protein and calcium, this sauce offers negligible protein and fiber, further underscoring its limited nutritional contribution.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in olde cape cod, bbq & grilling sauce, honey, orange, honey, orange actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides Flavor Enhancement
While not a primary source of essential nutrients, OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange can enhance the palatability of meals. Its sweet and savory profile can make leaner protein sources or vegetable dishes more appealing, potentially encouraging consumption of otherwise less favored healthy foods. This can be a useful strategy for individuals looking to diversify their diet with nutrient-dense options, provided the sauce is used in moderation to control added sugar and sodium intake.
Source of Vitamins A and C
This sauce provides a modest amount of Vitamin A (31% DV) and Vitamin C (11% DV) per 100g. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, while Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production. Although these contributions are not substantial enough to make it a primary source, they offer a minor nutritional bonus compared to sauces completely devoid of micronutrients. Consumers should still prioritize whole foods for their main vitamin intake.
Convenient Condiment Option
As a pre-made sauce, OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange offers convenience for meal preparation. It can save time in the kitchen by providing a ready-to-use flavor base for marinades, glazes, or dipping sauces. This convenience can be beneficial for busy individuals who might otherwise opt for less healthy fast-food alternatives, as long as they are mindful of portion sizes and balance their overall diet with whole, unprocessed foods.
OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange receives a FoodScore of 3/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature.
How to eat it
BBQ and grilling sauces like OLDE CAPE COD are typically used as marinades, basting sauces, or condiments for grilled meats, poultry, and vegetables. A common portion is around 1-2 tablespoons, but it's easy to overpour, leading to excessive intake of added sugars and sodium.
Use this sauce as a flavorful glaze for lean proteins like chicken breast or fish, applying it sparingly towards the end of cooking.
Dilute the sauce with a little water or vinegar to reduce the concentration of sugar and sodium per serving when using as a marinade.
Pair with a large serving of non-starchy vegetables to balance the meal's nutrient density and fiber content.
Consider making your own BBQ sauce from scratch using whole ingredients to control the amount of added sugar and sodium.
Measure your portion using a tablespoon to avoid unintentionally consuming larger amounts of added sugar.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the high added sugar content in OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange, which can contribute to exceeding daily recommended limits if consumed frequently or in large portions. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should use this product with caution due to the significant sugar load. The sauce also contains Red 40 and Yellow 6, artificial food colors that some individuals may choose to avoid, particularly parents of children sensitive to food dyes. Preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are included to maintain shelf stability. While generally recognized as safe, individuals with sensitivities to these additives may experience adverse reactions. The sodium content (444.44mg per 100g) should also be considered by those monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management.
With a FoodScore of 3/100, OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange is not considered a healthy food choice. It is high in added sugars (36.95g per 100g) and classified as ultra-processed. While it offers minor amounts of Vitamin A and C, these do not outweigh its less desirable nutritional attributes.
How does OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce compare to other BBQ sauces?
Compared to many other branded BBQ sauces, OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange's nutritional profile is similar, often featuring high added sugar and sodium content. For example, a popular brand like Sweet Baby Ray's Original BBQ Sauce also contains high amounts of added sugar. Consumers looking for lower sugar options might need to seek out specialty brands or make their own.
What is 'caramel color' in this sauce?
Caramel color is a common food additive used to give foods and beverages a brown color. In OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange, it contributes to the sauce's characteristic dark hue. While generally safe, some forms of caramel color can contain a compound called 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI), which some consumers prefer to limit.
How much of this sauce can I eat in a day?
Given its high added sugar and moderate sodium content, it's best to consume OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange in small, controlled portions. Limiting intake to one or two tablespoons per day, and not every day, would help manage your overall intake of added sugars and sodium. Prioritize other meals for nutrient density.
Does this sauce contain any allergens?
The ingredient list for OLDE CAPE COD BBQ & Grilling Sauce, Honey, Orange does not explicitly declare common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg. However, it's always advisable to check the product label for any 'may contain' statements or contact the manufacturer if you have severe allergen concerns.